NYT Connections puzzle #993 is dated February 28, 2026. If you’re working through that archived grid, use the hints below in order—from broad clues to a starter word, then the category names and complete answer sets. PC Guide reports the puzzle’s NYT difficulty rating as 2.8 out of 5.
Hints for Connections #993
Stop at any level if you want to keep solving before seeing the answers.
- Group clue: Something you need. Starter: DESIRE.
- Group clue: Careers with miles on the clock. Starter: CRUISE DIRECTOR.
- Group clue: Sounds like someone’s name. Starter: EARNEST.
- Group clue: Space terminology, plus one. Starter: COMETH.
Connections #993 categories and answers
Here are the category names and all four words in each group:
- Craving: DESIRE, ITCH, THIRST, URGE.
- Jobs that involve traveling: CRUISE DIRECTOR, PILOT, ROADIE, SALESMAN.
- Name homophones: EARNEST, KNEEL, RUSTLE, TAILOR.
- Astronomical terms plus a letter: COMETH, NOVAK, START, SUNG.
Difficulty rating and source
PC Guide reports a difficulty rating of 2.8 out of 5, attributing it to NYT. The answer groups, hints, starters, and rating here are likewise reported by PC Guide; they have not been independently confirmed against an official NYT page.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
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