The New York Times Connections puzzle challenges players to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four connected groups. Each group shares a hidden link. Today’s grid blends physical actions, clever rearrangements, and nostalgic references, making it both playful and slightly deceptive. Below you’ll find gentle hints to guide your thinking, followed by the complete solutions once you’re ready to check your work.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 20 March 2026
Today’s grid had a nice balance of straightforward synonyms and more creative phrase-based groupings. Some categories were easier to spot quickly, while others required thinking about how words pair with a common prefix or theme. Overall, it felt satisfying once the final connections clicked into place.

NYT Connections Hints: 20 March 2026
Category 1:
- Think about actions that unsettle or disrupt
- These words can describe causing unease
- Often used in emotional or physical contexts
- Synonyms tied to disturbance
Category 2:
- Think of a classic board game
- These words appear on specific spaces
- Associated with movement and chance
- Commonly seen while playing with tokens
Category 3:
- Rooted in ancient storytelling
- These figures are symbolic and powerful
- Often appear in legends and myths
- Associated with destiny or temptation
Category 4:
- A common word can precede all of these
- Think of food-related phrases
- Each becomes a familiar term when combined
- Breakfast lovers might spot this quickly
NYT Connections Answers: 20 March 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:

Category 2:

Category 3:

Category 4:

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 20 March 2026 Connections puzzle balances straightforward action words with trickier conceptual links, making it satisfying once everything clicks. Quick strategy tip: lock in obvious verb groups early, then examine remaining words for structural patterns or shared cultural references.