These are the hints and answers for Thursday, March 12, 2026: NYT Connections puzzle #1005. Start with the spoiler-light clues below, then open the clearly marked solution section if you want the four complete groups.
Hints for the March 12 Connections groups
Connections asks you to sort 16 words into four groups of four that share a feature, according to the New York Times Help Center. The groups are color-coded from yellow to purple, with yellow generally easiest and purple trickiest. Try these clues before reading the answers.
- Yellow: Places where you might find sand. Example: DESERT.
- Green: Objects that move back and forth. Example: WINDSHIELD WIPER.
- Blue: Types of group workout classes. Example: SPIN.
- Purple: Things associated with birds. Example: FROOT LOOPS.
Full answers for Connections #1005
Spoilers: The complete word groups for March 12 appear below.
Yellow — Places to Find Sand
BUNKER, DESERT, HOURGLASS, SANDBOX.
BUNKER is the less obvious fit: in golf, a bunker is a sand trap.
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METRONOME, PENDULUM, SWING, WINDSHIELD WIPER.
Blue — Apparatus-Based Exercise Classes
BARRE, REFORMER, SPIN, STEP.
REFORMER refers to Pilates apparatus; the set groups exercise classes associated with equipment.
Purple — Featuring Birds
CUCKOO CLOCK, FROOT LOOPS, MEXICAN FLAG, WEATHER VANE.
Rank #2
The bird connection appears in a clock, a cereal mascot, a national flag, and a weather vane.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to play and access Connections
The New York Times describes the format as: “Players are given 16 words and must find groups of four items that share something in common.” Connections is available on the NYT Games website and apps. The Times says registration is not required to play; signing in lets an account retain progress across devices. The daily game releases at midnight in the player’s timezone and is free to play on NYT platforms.
The NYT archive reaches back to June 12, 2023, and archive access is available to All Access and Games subscribers. Subscription and archive terms can change, so check the Times’ current access information before subscribing.
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