Issue #1024 Tue 31 Mar
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — March 31, 2026
This puzzle presents a mix of straightforward categories and a clever wordplay group. Solvers may find some initial connections quickly, while others require a closer look at compound terms and double meanings. There are a few subtle overlaps that could lead one astray.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
The feeling of not having enough ingredients for a recipe, or the sudden realization that a crucial item is missing from a store shelf.
States of insufficiency
Synonyms
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters A, C, D, P.
SHORTAGE
One is ABSENCE.
ABSENCE · CRUNCH · DEFICIT · PINCH
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
Standing on a weathered deck, the salty air and distant sound of waves, anticipating the next adventure or perhaps a skirmish.
Nautical equipment and symbols
Examples of one named set
Members are 5–11 letters; first letters C, J, P.
PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIP
One is CANNON.
CANNON · CROW'S NEST · JOLLY ROGER · PLANK
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
Selecting an item of clothing appropriate for either a formal event, a vigorous workout, or casual comfort.
Undergarment styles
Examples of one named set
Members are 6–8 letters; first letters P, S, W.
KINDS OF BRAS
One is PLUNGE.
PLUNGE · PUSH-UP · SPORTS · WIRELESS
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
A collection of disparate phrases that, upon closer inspection, reveal a shared whimsical linguistic element at their beginning.
Wordplay group
Each starts with a hidden item
Members are 7–11 letters; first letters C, F, K.
STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALS
One is CALF RAISE.
CALF RAISE · CHICK FLICK · FRY COOK · KIT KAT
Spoiler zone
Complete Connections answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
-
Reveal the yellow group
SHORTAGEABSENCE · CRUNCH · DEFICIT · PINCH
-
Reveal the green group
PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIPCANNON · CROW'S NEST · JOLLY ROGER · PLANK
-
Reveal the blue group
KINDS OF BRASPLUNGE · PUSH-UP · SPORTS · WIRELESS
-
Reveal the violet group
STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALSCALF RAISE · CHICK FLICK · FRY COOK · KIT KAT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on March 31, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for March 31, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on March 31, 2026?
NYT Connections on March 31, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 on our difficulty scale — a tougher-than-average puzzle. As always you sort sixteen words into four colour-coded groups, and our hints tease what links each group without ever naming the words.
What's a spoiler-free hint for NYT Connections on March 31, 2026?
The hint ladder above starts with a one-line vibe for each of the four groups, then adds the connecting idea, then the wording of each category. You climb only as far as you need, and no grouped words are shown until the final reveal.
How many groups are in NYT Connections #1024?
Four groups of four, ordered from the gentlest to the trickiest. For the categories and the sixteen words themselves, open the answer section on this page — the hints here keep them hidden.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words