PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the August 16, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A social gathering of people for celebration, entertainment, or enjoyment.
A group of people involved in a legal case.
An organized political group or faction.
A person or group participating in a contract or agreement.
The term can refer to social events, legal contexts, political groups, or participants in agreements.
A person who performs in plays, movies, television shows, or other dramatic productions.
A person or entity that takes action or produces an effect in a particular situation.
In computing, an independent unit of computation or a component that interacts with others in a system.
In law, a party involved in a legal proceeding, especially the plaintiff.
The term can refer to a profession, a participant in various contexts, or be used metaphorically in different fields.
Convenient to use or easy to reach and operate.
Skilled with the hands; dexterous.
Informal term for a mobile phone.
Slang for a manual sexual act.
The term can be used as an adjective, a brand name, or slang depending on context.
Of great size, extent, or importance; impressive or magnificent.
A thousand dollars (slang).
A title used to denote high rank or status, such as 'Grand Master'.
A type of piano known for its large size and rich sound.
The term can be used as an adjective, noun, or part of titles and names.
Positioned vertically or standing straight up.
Behaving in an honest and moral way.
In a mechanical context, a structural support or frame that stands vertically.
In typography, text that is set in a normal, vertical orientation rather than italic or oblique.
Can be used as an adjective, adverb, or noun depending on context.
One of two equal parts that together make a whole.
A point or score equal to 50% of a total.
A period of time equal to half the duration of an event, especially in sports.
To divide something into two equal parts.
Can be used as a noun, adjective, adverb, or verb depending on context.
A flat surface or riser on a staircase that you step on to move between different levels.
A single movement made by lifting the foot and putting it down in a new position while walking or running.
A stage or phase in a process or series of actions.
An organized dance movement or routine performed in sequence.
The term can also be used as an acronym, a brand name, or slang in various contexts.
A person who participates in a game or sport.
A person who dates or pursues multiple romantic partners casually.
A device that plays audio or video media.
A person skilled at manipulating situations or people for personal gain.
The term can refer to individuals in sports, entertainment, technology, or social contexts.
Having or showing good judgment, knowledge, and experience.
An acronym for Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, a NASA space telescope.
A financial technology company specializing in international money transfers.
An informal term meaning clever or shrewd, sometimes used sarcastically.
WISE can be a common adjective, a proper noun, an acronym, or slang depending on context.
A live performance of music in front of an audience.
An agreement or harmony between people or groups.
A plan or arrangement made jointly by two or more parties.
A formal public meeting or gathering for a specific purpose.
The term can refer to musical events, agreements, or coordinated actions depending on context.
To put something in a particular place or position.
A collection of items considered as a unit.
In mathematics, a well-defined collection of distinct objects.
In tennis, a subdivision of a match consisting of games.
Can also be used as a name, brand, abbreviation, or slang term depending on context.
A person who acts on behalf of another person or organization, typically to represent their interests or conduct business.
A substance that causes a chemical or biological effect.
A software program that performs automated tasks.
A spy or secret operative working for a government or organization.
The term 'agent' can refer to people, substances, software, or roles in various contexts.
To present or display something for others to see.
A performance or event intended for entertainment.
To demonstrate or explain how something works.
To cause or allow something to be visible or apparent.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and may refer to events, actions, or the act of displaying information.
Of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.
Very skilled or talented in a particular area.
Important or famous, especially historically.
Used to express approval or enthusiasm.
The term can be used as an adjective, an exclamation, or part of names and titles.
A phrase that may refer to something originating from or related to Neander, often associated with Neanderthal or the Neander Valley.
A brand or name used in various contexts.
A slang term or expression in certain communities.
An abbreviation or code in specific fields.
This term can be a phrase, name, brand, or slang depending on context.
A live performance by a musician or band, typically at a concert or event.
A job or task, especially a temporary or freelance one.
A small two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse.
An abbreviation for 'gigabyte,' a unit of digital information storage equal to approximately one billion bytes.
The term 'gig' can refer to jobs, performances, units of data, or types of vehicles, and is also used informally in various contexts.