Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,016 hints and answers for Monday, March 23, 2026

Edited by Wyna Liu · Groups listed easiest to hardest: yellow, green, blue, purple

Connections #1,016 puts four groups of four on the board, running from the yellow group through to purple. For each group below: read the hint first, then show the category name when you want it, then the four words.

Group 1 - Yellow

Hint: Four words, one thread. Say each of the four out loud - the link is usually plainer than it looks.

PRINCIPLED

DECENT · HONEST · MORAL · STAND-UP

Group 2 - Green

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS

LIGHT BULB · PRINTING PRESS · SLICED BREAD · WHEEL

Group 3 - Blue

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

"VIRGIN" THINGS

MARY · MOCKTAIL · OLIVE OIL · VIRGO

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES

BRAIN STEW · BROCCOLI RABE · JUNGLE GYM · OPEN MIC

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "In pieces"