If you’re tackling today’s Connections puzzle and need a nudge in the right direction, we’ve got you covered. Puzzle #996 for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, brings another clever mix of wordplay and hidden themes.

As always, spoilers lie ahead—so scroll carefully if you just want hints and not the full solutions.

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Hints for Today’s Connections Categories

Need a subtle push before seeing the answers? Here are your category clues:

• All encompassing
• On your six
• Where fashion makes its home
• Like the trajectory of light

Take a moment to review your grid and see if these clues spark any connections.

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Today’s NYT Connections Answers for March 3, 2026

If you’re ready to check your work, here are the four correct groupings for Puzzle #996:

1. “BIG” Things

• APPLE
• BROTHER
• DIPPER
• MAC

2. Be Adjacent To

• ABUT
• FLANK
• NEIGHBOR
• TOUCH

3. Seen in a Closet

• HANGER
• HOOK
• ROD
• SHELF

4. Starting With Synonyms for “Speedy”

• BRISKET
• FASTIDIOUS
• FLEETWOOD
• QUICKSAND

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How did you fare today? Whether you solved it in minutes or needed a few extra tries, each round of Connections is a fun test of logic and lateral thinking. Be sure to check back tomorrow for fresh hints and answers for the next puzzle.