Today's hints
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The answer
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Why this answer
The letters, categories, or grid logic that made this one tricky.
What made this one tricky:
- Connections is category-first: read the group labels as the answer, then use the listed cards to confirm no near-miss word belongs in a different color set.
The spreadsheet set is the cleanest starting point because AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX and SUM are precise formula names. The red shades also lock together once CARMINE and MAROON are separated from the more tempting time-related words.
Recent Connections answers
Stuck on a streak day? Past solves keep you moving.
Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.
| Date | Puzzle | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Sep 2, 2026 | #1273 | FLABBERGAST; THINGS IN A VIOLIN CASE; ___ DOGS (THAT ARE DOGS); ___ DOGS (THAT AREN'T DOGS). |
More from the desk
Look for the most exact technical set first, then use it to reduce the decoys in the remaining groups.
FAQ
What are today's NYT Connections answers for 2026-09-03?
The four groups are TWO SHAKES OF A LAMB'S TAIL, SHADES OF RED, TOY CAR BRANDS and SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS.
Which Connections group is the best starting point today?
SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS is a precise four-word set: AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX and SUM.
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