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NYT Connections puzzle #1002, for Monday, March 9, 2026, groups its 16 words around a shared starting sound, public scrutiny, Muppets, and things that feature a boss. Start with the spoiler-light clues below; the category names and full answers follow.
Hints for Connections #1002
Connections asks you to sort 16 words into four groups of four. You have four mistakes before the game ends. If you are still solving, stop here before scrolling to the category names and answers.
- Four words begin with the same sound, but use different spellings.
- Think of ways to describe being watched closely.
- Think of Kermit’s friends and colleagues.
- Think about who—or what—is in charge.
Category names
- Yellow: Starting with the same sound, spelled differently
- Green: Metaphors for public scrutiny
- Blue: Muppets
- Purple: They feature a boss
All answers for March 9, 2026
Spoilers below: the complete word groups for game #1002 are listed here.
- Starting with the same sound, spelled differently: WAREHOUSE, WEARABLE, WEREWOLF, WHEREFORE
- Metaphors for public scrutiny: FISHBOWL, HOT SEAT, MICROSCOPE, SPOTLIGHT
- Muppets: ANIMAL, BEAKER, FOZZIE, GONZO
- They feature a boss: COMPANY, E STREET BAND, MAFIA, VIDEO GAME
Why the final group fits
“Boss” points to several different ideas in the purple group: a company has a workplace boss, Bruce Springsteen is known as “The Boss” and performs with the E Street Band, the Mafia has a boss, and video games can feature boss encounters. That mix of meanings is why the category is easy to misread as a straightforward workplace group.
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Where to play
NYT Connections is available through NYT Games on desktop and mobile. The March 9 puzzle is a past daily game, so this answer key identifies that date and game number rather than today’s puzzle.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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