PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 26, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A friendly greeting or reception given to someone arriving at a place or event.
An expression of acceptance or approval.
An invitation to feel comfortable or at ease.
Used to acknowledge gratitude, as in 'You're welcome.'
Can be used as a noun, verb, or interjection depending on context.
A week-long period of time centered around Halloween, often featuring themed events and activities.
A promotional event or sale lasting a week near Halloween.
A social media trend or hashtag used during the week of Halloween.
An informal term for the days leading up to and including Halloween.
The term is often used in marketing and social media contexts related to Halloween.
Full meaning →Causing fear or unease; frightening or disturbing.
Becoming cold or cooling down.
Relaxing and taking it easy.
Slang for spending time casually or resting.
The term can be used as an adjective or a verb and may appear in informal contexts.
A small object designed for children to play with.
A person who is easily controlled or manipulated.
An object used for amusement or entertainment by people of any age.
A model or replica of something, often for display or collection.
The term can also be used metaphorically or as a brand name.
A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices originating in ancient India aimed at improving health and well-being.
A style of exercise involving stretching and breathing techniques.
A brand name for various products or services.
An abbreviation used in specific contexts or organizations.
The term can refer to a practice, a brand, or an abbreviation depending on context.
A slang term used primarily in Philadelphia to refer to a person, place, thing, or event.
A general substitute noun used when the specific name is unknown or unimportant.
A term used to express emphasis or familiarity in conversation.
Commonly used in informal speech and regional dialect; can refer to almost anything depending on context.
Full meaning →Relating to or connected with sports or athletic activities.
Behaving in a fair, generous, or honorable way, especially in competition.
Involving or characteristic of hunting or game animals.
Used to describe clothing or equipment designed for sports.
The term can be used as an adjective, a brand name, or in idiomatic expressions.
A solemn request or expression of thanks addressed to a deity or higher power.
A form of meditation or reflection involving silent or spoken words.
A ritual or practice performed in various religions to communicate with the divine.
The term can refer to religious practices, personal reflections, or specific ritual acts.
Informal term for psychologists or psychiatry professionals.
Slang for psychological evaluations or tests.
Abbreviation for 'psychological services' in some contexts.
The term is informal and may be used as slang or shorthand in casual or professional settings.
Full meaning →A type of dog bred for hunting, known for its strong sense of smell and stamina.
To pursue relentlessly or harass persistently.
A contemptible or unpleasant person (informal/slang).
The term can refer to a dog breed, an action, or be used as slang for a person.
The act of directing, controlling, or overseeing resources, tasks, or people to achieve a goal.
Handling or coping with a difficult situation.
Succeeding in doing something with effort or difficulty.
Can be used as a verb or an adjective; often relates to business or personal contexts.
A sport or activity where two people try to throw, pin, or hold each other down using physical strength and technique.
A form of entertainment combining athletics and theatrical performance, often with scripted outcomes.
The act of struggling or grappling with a difficult problem or situation.
A style of martial arts focusing on grappling and ground fighting.
The term can refer to a competitive sport, entertainment, or metaphorical struggle.
A phrase used to describe something that is usual, unchanging, or repetitive.
An expression of boredom or dissatisfaction with routine.
A casual greeting implying nothing new has happened.
Commonly used in informal speech to refer to familiar situations or experiences.
Provided or arranged by a host, typically referring to services, events, or accommodations.
Stored and managed on a remote server accessible via the internet.
Organized and presented by a person or organization acting as a host.
Supported or maintained by a third-party provider.
The term can be used in technology, events, and hospitality contexts.
The act of guiding or moving a group of animals, especially livestock, from one place to another.
The behavior of people or animals moving together as a group.
In psychology, the tendency of individuals to follow the actions or beliefs of a larger group.
In computing, the process of managing or organizing data or tasks collectively.
Can refer to animal management, social behavior, or technical processes depending on context.
An informal phrase used to express mild approval or that something is satisfactory or better than expected.
A sarcastic remark implying something is actually poor or disappointing.
A casual response indicating something is acceptable but not impressive.
Commonly used in everyday conversation and online communication to convey moderate praise or approval.