Connections Hints: Mar 23, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Mar 23, 2026 (2026-03-23). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1096

Puzzle #1096 · 2026-03-23

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 #1096 for 2026-03-23, 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: PRINCIPLED, GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS, "VIRGIN" THINGS 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.

PRINCIPLED
GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS
"VIRGIN" THINGS
ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES

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.

PRINCIPLED

DECENT

HONEST

MORAL

STAND-UP

GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS

LIGHT BULB

PRINTING PRESS

SLICED BREAD

WHEEL

"VIRGIN" THINGS

MARY

MOCKTAIL

OLIVE OIL

VIRGO

ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES

BRAIN STEW

BROCCOLI RABE

JUNGLE GYM

OPEN MIC

Reveal full answer

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