Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSpoiler alert: These are the answers for NYT Connections game #1,024, dated Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The four Connections groups and answers
| Color | Category | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | SHORTAGE | ABSENCE, CRUNCH, DEFICIT, PINCH |
| Green | PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIP | CANNON, CROW’S NEST, JOLLY ROGER, PLANK |
| Blue | KINDS OF BRAS | PLUNGE, PUSH-UP, SPORTS, WIRELESS |
| Purple | STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALS | CALF RAISE, CHICK FLICK, FRY COOK, KIT KAT |
The full set of sixteen words is ABSENCE, CALF RAISE, CANNON, CHICK FLICK, CRUNCH, CROW’S NEST, DEFICIT, FRY COOK, JOLLY ROGER, KIT KAT, PINCH, PLANK, PLUNGE, PUSH-UP, SPORTS, and WIRELESS. The answer key is reported by both PC Guide and TechRadar.
Why the words fit
Yellow: SHORTAGE
ABSENCE, CRUNCH, DEFICIT, and PINCH can each describe a lack or shortage.
Green: PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIP
CANNON and CROW’S NEST are ship features; JOLLY ROGER is the pirate flag, and PLANK refers to the plank associated with pirate lore.
#1 Best Overall
Blue: KINDS OF BRAS
PLUNGE, PUSH-UP, SPORTS, and WIRELESS are bra styles.
Purple: STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALS
Each phrase starts with a word for a young animal: CALF RAISE, CHICK FLICK, FRY COOK, and KIT KAT. Here, “fry” means a young fish, while “kit” can mean a young fox or another animal.
The exercise red herring
TechRadar writer Marc McLaren described how CRUNCH, PLANK, PUSH-UP, and CALF RAISE can look like a group of basic exercises. That is one writer’s account of a misleading pattern in this grid, not a claim that every solver will see it. In the completed answer, those words belong to three different categories.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.About this puzzle
Connections asks players to sort sixteen words into four groups of four linked by a theme; the connections can call for lateral or abstract thinking, as described in a 2024 paper by Graham Todd, Tim Merino, Sam Earle, and Julian Togelius: “Missed Connections: Lateral Thinking Puzzles for Large Language Models”. TechRadar identifies the NYT Games site as a place to play.
Rank #3
PC Guide reports a difficulty rating of 2.8 out of 5 attributed to NYT. That figure is a secondary report; the primary NYT rating page was not available to verify it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Over 100 Puzzles ? Challenging and Fun ? From America?s Favorite Game Show!Test your skills, sharpen your mind and have fun with 100+ puzzles from the makers of Wheel of Fortune Game, also known as America's Game! These themed puzzles are based on real wheel categories.
- The collection includes crosswords, word searches, acrostics and more.Fun for ?Wheel? Fans or Anyone Who Likes PuzzlesThe Wheel of Fortune Word Puzzles collection is fun and challenging for fans of the TV game as well as anyone who enjoys word puzzles.
- The convenient spiral binding allows you to open the book and lie the pages flat, and also helps improve durability as you work your way through the many entertaining puzzles.
- Great for everyday recreation, and perfect for travel.
- 160 pages.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
