PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the July 19, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit.
To change from one thing to another, such as channels or options.
A command in computing to change between different modes or users.
A slender flexible shoot used for whipping or punishment.
The term can refer to devices, actions, commands, or objects depending on context.
A twisting or spiraling pattern or motion, often circular in shape.
A type of ice cream or soft serve with two flavors mixed in a spiral pattern.
To move in a twisting or spiraling manner.
A decorative design featuring spirals or curves.
Can be used as a noun or verb; also appears in brand names and as slang in some contexts.
Extending a great distance from end to end or covering a large amount of time.
Having a tall or slender shape.
Feeling a strong desire or yearning for something.
In finance, holding a security or asset with the expectation that its value will increase.
Can be used as an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb in different contexts.
An activity or sport with rules played for enjoyment or competition.
A structured form of play or entertainment, often involving goals and challenges.
A particular instance or session of playing such an activity.
Slang for skill, readiness, or enthusiasm in a particular area.
The term can also be used as a brand name, in slang, or as part of phrases.
A card game in which players bet on the value of their hands, aiming to win chips or money.
A metal rod used to stir a fire in a fireplace or campfire.
A person who pokes or prods something or someone.
Slang for a device used to prod or jab, such as a poker in computing (a tool to test or manipulate hardware).
The term can refer to a game, a tool, or be used metaphorically; it is also a common name and slang term.
A set of two similar or matching things considered together.
To join or connect two things together.
In finance, a currency pair representing two different currencies traded against each other.
To remove the outer layer or skin from something, such as fruit or vegetables.
The term can be used as a noun or a verb in various contexts.
To cause a sudden flow or rush of liquid, especially water, to clean or clear something.
To become red in the face due to embarrassment or heat.
To win all the cards of the same suit in a hand of poker.
To force an animal out of hiding by chasing or startling it.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and appears in contexts like plumbing, card games, and describing facial expressions.
Extending in one direction without curves or bends.
Heterosexual, describing sexual orientation.
Honest and direct in behavior or speech.
Exactly correct or precise.
The term can be used as an adjective, adverb, noun, or slang depending on context.
A device that uses a small electric current to control a larger current, often used to switch circuits on and off.
A race or competition where team members take turns completing parts of the course.
To pass along information or messages from one person or place to another.
A system of vehicles or people arranged to carry something over a distance in stages.
The term can refer to electrical devices, sports events, communication methods, or transportation systems.
The process of coordinating or matching the timing of two or more events or data sets so they occur simultaneously or correspond accurately.
A shorthand for synchronization in technology and media contexts.
A feature in software or devices that updates data to be consistent across multiple platforms.
An abbreviation for 'syncopation' in music, referring to a shift in the normal rhythm.
The term 'sync' is commonly used as a verb, noun, and abbreviation in technology, music, and everyday language.
To remove liquid from something by flowing out or being drawn off.
A pipe or channel that carries away liquid waste or excess water.
To deplete resources, energy, or strength gradually.
An area where water collects and flows away, such as a basin or catchment.
Can be used as a verb or noun; also appears in technical, medical, and informal contexts.
A safety device that interrupts electrical flow when current is too high to prevent damage or fire.
A stick of material that burns slowly to ignite explosives.
To join or blend two or more things together by melting or heating.
To combine ideas or elements into a single entity.
The term can refer to electrical components, explosive devices, or the act of merging things; it is also used as a verb and a noun.
To join or link together two or more things.
To establish communication or a relationship between people or devices.
To understand or relate to someone or something emotionally or intellectually.
To bring together ideas or information to form a coherent whole.
Can be used as a verb in various contexts including technology, social interactions, and abstract concepts.
A device that interrupts an electrical circuit to prevent damage from overload or short circuit.
A person who breaks something, such as a rule or a physical object.
A wave that breaks into foam as it approaches the shore.
A person who performs breakdancing.
The term can refer to electrical devices, people, natural phenomena, or dance styles depending on context.
To fill something again, especially a container or supply that has been used up.
An additional amount of a product provided at no extra cost, such as a drink refill.
A replacement cartridge or item used to replenish a supply, like ink for a pen.
The act of adding more content or material to something to restore its original level.
Can be used as a verb or noun; also common in commercial and informal contexts.
To connect or link two or more things together.
To become a member of a group or organization.
In databases, to combine rows from two or more tables based on a related column.
To participate or take part in an activity or event.
The term can be used as a verb in various contexts including social, technical, and recreational settings.