These are the hints and answers for NYT Connections puzzle #1003, dated Tuesday, March 10, 2026—not today’s puzzle. Start with the category clues, then reveal a starter word for each group if you need more help.
NYT Connections hints for March 10
Each clue points to one group of four. The hints are listed without the full category names or answer sets.
- Cook without moisture
- Nicknames for relatives
- First four letters of states
- Punch out
One starter word from each group
If the category clues are not enough, try BROWN, CUZ, MASS, and BOX—one word from each group.
Spoiler warning: full Connections #1003 answers
The complete categories and all sixteen words are below.
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| Category | Words |
|---|---|
| Cook with dry heat | BROWN, ROAST, SEAR, TOAST |
| Familial nicknames | CUZ, GRAM, POP, UNC |
| U.S. state abbreviations | MASS, MISS, PENN, WASH |
| Punch | BOX, DUKE, SLUG, SOCK |
What makes the state group tricky
MASS, MISS, PENN, and WASH are shortened forms made from the first four letters of Massachusetts, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Washington. They are not the standard postal abbreviations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reported difficulty
PC Guide reports a difficulty rating of 2.8 out of 5 and attributes it to the NYT; this is a reported figure, not an independently confirmed official statistic. PC Guide’s March 10 Connections guide and TechRadar’s guide to game #1003 also identify the puzzle by its date and number.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
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