PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the August 22, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell that is not sweet, often causing a sensation of discomfort or displeasure.
Feeling or showing anger, resentment, or disappointment.
Causing pain or hardship; harsh or severe.
Having a sharp or acrid quality in sound or expression.
The term can describe taste, emotions, experiences, or tones in speech or writing.
A substance made from dried seeds, fruits, roots, or bark used to flavor food.
An acronym for Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis, a software tool for electronic circuit simulation.
A slang term for synthetic cannabinoids or other designer drugs.
A term used in space exploration referring to a system of data kernels for spacecraft navigation.
The term can refer to food ingredients, software, slang for drugs, or technical systems depending on context.
The average value of a set of numbers, calculated by adding them together and dividing by the count of numbers.
Unkind or spiteful in behavior or attitude.
To signify or intend something.
In mathematics, a middle value or central tendency measure.
The term can be used in mathematics, everyday language to describe behavior, or to express intention.
The coldest season of the year, typically occurring between autumn and spring, characterized by shorter days and lower temperatures.
A period or event marked by cold weather conditions.
A metaphor for hardship or difficult times.
The name of a sports season or tournament held during the winter months.
Winter can refer to the season, a metaphorical concept, or be used in names and titles.
A tool with a heavy metal head mounted on a handle, used for pounding nails or breaking objects.
To strike something forcefully or repeatedly.
A device or mechanism resembling a hammer in function or shape.
Slang for an overwhelming defeat or a powerful performance.
The term can refer to a tool, an action, slang, or be used metaphorically.
A three-dimensional geometric shape with a circular base that tapers smoothly to a single point called the apex.
A traffic device used to mark areas for safety or direction, typically made of plastic and brightly colored.
A type of ice cream serving where the ice cream is held in a cone-shaped wafer or biscuit.
The reproductive structure of certain plants, such as pine trees, that contains seeds.
The term can refer to shapes, objects, plant structures, or safety equipment depending on context.
A flat, two-dimensional surface that extends infinitely in all directions.
An aircraft designed for air travel.
A woodworking tool used to smooth or shape wood surfaces.
A level of existence or thought, such as a spiritual plane.
The term can refer to geometry, aviation, tools, or abstract concepts depending on context.
A fast-moving stream of liquid or gas forced out of a small opening.
A type of aircraft powered by jet engines.
A black, shiny fossilized wood used as a gemstone.
To leave quickly or abruptly (slang).
The term can refer to technology, natural materials, or informal actions depending on context.
Having the color or shine of gold; yellow and bright.
Extremely valuable or excellent in quality.
Relating to a period of great success or prosperity, often called a 'golden age'.
Made of or containing gold.
The term can be used as an adjective, a name, or part of brand names.
A tool with a toothed blade used for cutting wood or other materials.
Past tense of 'see,' meaning to have perceived with the eyes.
An acronym for 'Surface Acoustic Wave,' a type of sound wave used in electronics.
A traditional saying or proverb.
The term can be a common noun, verb form, acronym, or part of idiomatic expressions.
A collection of tiny water droplets suspended in the air near the ground, reducing visibility and creating a light fog.
An acronym for various organizations or technologies, such as Military Intelligence Support Team or Management Information Systems Technology.
A fine spray of liquid produced by a device like a misting fan or spray bottle.
A poetic or literary term used to describe a light, thin fog or haze.
The term can be used as a common noun, acronym, or brand name depending on context.
A strong-smelling secretion from the musk gland of certain animals, used in perfumery.
Elon Musk, a well-known entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
A synthetic substance that mimics the natural musk scent, used in fragrances.
A term used metaphorically to describe a distinctive or influential personal style.
The term can refer to a natural substance, a person's name, or be used metaphorically.
A surname of Scottish origin, meaning 'servant of Mary.'
A fictional family name featured in a popular television series.
A place name in various English-speaking countries.
A brand name used by several businesses and products.
GILMORE can be a surname, place name, brand, or fictional character name.
A hand tool with a sharp metal blade used for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal.
To cut or shape material using a chisel.
To cheat or swindle someone, especially by trickery.
To engrave or carve text or designs into a hard surface.
The term can refer to a tool, an action, or slang for cheating.
A clear, tasteless, odorless liquid essential for most plant and animal life, composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O).
A body of water such as a lake, river, or ocean.
To pour or sprinkle water on plants or soil.
To dilute a liquid by adding water.
The term can refer to the substance itself, bodies of water, actions involving water, or be used in various idiomatic expressions.
A device or enclosure that sprays water for washing the body.
A brief period of rain or precipitation.
An event where gifts are given to celebrate a person, such as a baby shower or bridal shower.
To pour or scatter something over a surface, like showering someone with praise.
The term can refer to a bathroom fixture, weather phenomenon, social event, or an action.