Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,101 hints and answers for Tuesday, June 16, 2026

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

Connections #1,101 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: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

CREAMY SALAD DRESSINGS

BLUE CHEESE · CAESAR · GREEN GODDESS · RANCH

Group 2 - Green

Hint: These four belong together for one clean reason. If two of them pair up in your head first, let the other two confirm it.

ATTENDANTS

COURT · ENTOURAGE · RETINUE · SUITE

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.

RARE THINGS, IDIOMATICALLY

BLACK SWAN · BLUE MOON · PERFECT STORM · UNICORN

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.

WHAT "HOOPS" MIGHT REFER TO

BASKETBALL · EARRINGS · RED TAPE · RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS GEAR

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "For here or to go?"