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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →NYT Connections puzzle #1011 was published for Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Use the hints below in order if you are still solving; the complete groups and 16-word answer key appear farther down. This is an archived guide, not a statement about a later March 18 puzzle.
Spoiler warning: Stop before the next warning if you want to solve without seeing the categories or answers.
Progressive hints for Connections #1011
These clues move from broad to specific. Try the board again after each one.
- Time between two things: Think of words that can describe a certain length of time.
- That smarts: Consider a reaction to sudden pain.
- Stompboxes: Rock guitarists will recognize this group.
- A word before “check”: Four board words form familiar phrases when placed before check.
TechRadar labels its clues “Space in the middle,” “Yelp in pain,” “Stompboxes,” and a word that rhymes with “neck.” Parade uses comparable prompts, while Forbes gives examples such as fuzz, chorus and looper for the guitar-pedal idea. Those are guide-writer clues, not official New York Times hints.
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Warning: categories and answers below
The following section reveals the groups and the complete solution.
Connections #1011 answer key
| Color | Category | Words | Why they fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | INTERVAL | PATCH, PERIOD, SPELL, STRETCH | Each can describe a span or period of time. |
| Green | REACT TO A STUBBED TOE | CURSE, HOP, WINCE, YELL | They describe verbal, movement or facial reactions to sudden toe pain. |
| Blue | GUITAR EFFECTS PEDALS | DELAY, REVERB, WAH, WHAMMY | Each is a guitar effect or effects-pedal name. |
| Purple | ___ CHECK | BLANK, COAT, RAIN, REALITY | They make the familiar phrases blank check, coat check, rain check and reality check. |
The 16 words on the reported board were SPELL, YELL, RAIN, COAT, WHAMMY, STRETCH, CURSE, WAH, WINCE, BLANK, PATCH, HOP, DELAY, REALITY, REVERB and PERIOD. TechRadar, Parade, PC Guide and Forbes independently report the same board and groupings; a publisher-authored NYT archive page for this edition was not available in the sources reviewed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why this board was tricky
SPELL CHECK is a deliberate-looking trap
SPELL strongly suggests “spell check,” but it belongs with PATCH, PERIOD and STRETCH in the INTERVAL group. The word “patch” can also mean a period of time, as in a patch of bad weather or a difficult patch.
DELAY crosses two possible ideas
DELAY sounds like a time interval, yet it is a guitar effect. Pairing it with REVERB, WAH and WHAMMY leaves the four “___ CHECK” phrases and resolves the board cleanly.
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Rules and reported difficulty
- Connections asks you to divide 16 words into four groups of four. TechRadar says the game allows up to four mistakes.
- The puzzle can be played through NYT Games on desktop or mobile, according to TechRadar.
- PC Guide reports a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5 — The New York Times, 2026 (as reported by PC Guide).
Sources
- TechRadar, Marc McLaren (March 17, 2026)
- Parade, Choya Johnson (March 18, 2026)
- PC Guide, Jack Goodall (updated March 18, 2026)
- Forbes, Kris Holt (March 17, 2026)
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