PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 31, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A vacation spent at home or nearby rather than traveling to a distant destination.
A period of relaxation or leisure activities conducted within one's local area.
A holiday taken by choosing local attractions instead of traveling abroad.
The term is a blend of 'stay' and 'vacation' and is commonly used in informal contexts.
A stringed musical instrument typically played by strumming or plucking, with a fretted neck and usually six strings.
A device or tool shaped like a guitar used for decorative purposes.
Slang for a guitar-shaped video game controller.
A term used in some software to refer to a graphical user interface tool.
The term 'guitar' primarily refers to the musical instrument but can also be used as a name, slang, or in specialized contexts.
Covered with or characterized by dirt, grime, or unclean substances.
Morally or ethically impure or corrupt.
Informal term for something indecent or obscene.
Slang for something unfair or dishonest.
The term can be used literally to describe physical uncleanliness or figuratively to describe behavior, language, or situations.
A person or thing that causes death or destruction.
An extremely effective or impressive person or thing.
Slang for something very intense or powerful.
A term used in informal contexts to describe something outstanding or excellent.
The term can be used literally to describe someone who kills, or figuratively to emphasize effectiveness or intensity.
Affected by illness or feeling unwell.
Extremely impressive or cool (slang).
To cause to attack or pursue (verb).
Disgusting or revolting.
The term can be used as an adjective, verb, or slang, and may appear in informal contexts.
A sudden loss of power, status, or success.
The collapse or ruin of something, such as a government or organization.
The act of falling down or dropping from a higher position.
Heavy precipitation of rain or snow.
The term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Past tense of 'shake,' meaning to move or cause to move with quick, forceful movements.
A protocol used in telecommunications to verify caller identity and reduce phone fraud.
Slang for feeling nervous or unsettled.
A cocktail made by shaking ingredients with ice.
The term can be used as a verb, an acronym, or slang depending on context.
A direction or position that is higher or above a reference point.
An abbreviation for 'United Press' or 'University of Pennsylvania'.
A term meaning increase or improvement, as in 'prices are up'.
A state of being awake or active, as in 'I stayed up late.'
Can be used as a preposition, adverb, adjective, noun, abbreviation, or slang term depending on context.
A sports implement with a handled frame and a netted hitting surface used to strike a tennis ball.
A similar racket used in other racket sports like badminton or squash (less common usage).
A metaphorical term for a tool or device used to 'hit back' in a competitive situation.
The term is primarily used in sports contexts but can appear metaphorically or as a brand name.
An English playwright and poet from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language.
A surname derived from the playwright's name.
A brand or title inspired by or related to the playwright's works.
A term used informally to refer to dramatic or poetic writing.
The term can refer to the historical figure, a surname, or be used in cultural and commercial contexts.
Full meaning →Evil or morally wrong; causing harm or suffering.
Excellent or impressive (slang).
Playfully mischievous or naughty.
Intense or extreme in degree.
The term can be used as an adjective in both negative and positive contexts, and also appears in names and titles.
A bunch of threads or cords tied at one end and hanging loose at the other, used as decoration on clothing, curtains, or accessories.
The flowering part of a corn plant that produces pollen.
A decorative ornament attached to a graduation cap.
A small bunch of fibers used in crafts or upholstery.
The term can refer to decorative items, parts of plants, or be used in various crafts and fashion contexts.
A television or radio comedy series featuring a recurring cast and setting, typically with humorous storylines.
An abbreviation for 'situational comedy'.
A style of comedy that derives humor from everyday situations.
A genre of scripted entertainment focused on character-driven humor.
Commonly used as an abbreviation in media and entertainment contexts.
A puppet controlled from above using strings or wires attached to its limbs.
A person who is controlled or manipulated by someone else.
A type of theatrical performance using puppets.
The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who lacks autonomy.
Full meaning →An adjective describing something that lacks moisture or is free from liquid.
In programming, a principle meaning 'Don't Repeat Yourself,' encouraging code reuse.
A slang term meaning boring or dull.
An abbreviation for 'Department of Revenue and Taxation' in some regions.
The term can be used as an adjective, acronym, slang, or abbreviation depending on context.
Extremely difficult, challenging, or dangerous, often used to describe terrain or conditions.
Slang for something impressive or excellent.
Describing something twisted, knotted, or rugged in appearance.
Informal slang commonly used in surfing, skateboarding, and youth culture.