Connections Hints: Mar 12, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Mar 12, 2026 (2026-03-12). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1086

Puzzle #1086 · 2026-03-12

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #1086 for 2026-03-12, edition main, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: PLACES TO FIND SAND, THINGS THAT MOVE BACK AND FORTH, APPARATUS-BASED EXERCISE CLASSES and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

PLACES TO FIND SAND
THINGS THAT MOVE BACK AND FORTH
APPARATUS-BASED EXERCISE CLASSES
FEATURING BIRDS

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

PLACES TO FIND SAND

BUNKER

DESERT

HOURGLASS

SANDBOX

THINGS THAT MOVE BACK AND FORTH

METRONOME

PENDULUM

SWING

WINDSHIELD WIPER

APPARATUS-BASED EXERCISE CLASSES

BARRE

REFORMER

SPIN

STEP

FEATURING BIRDS

CUCKOO CLOCK

FROOT LOOPS

MEXICAN FLAG

WEATHER VANE

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.