PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the November 9, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A knife with a sharp, often serrated blade designed specifically for cutting cooked steak and other meats at the table.
A type of knife used in kitchens for slicing various meats.
A utensil sometimes used for cutting other foods that require a sharp blade, like tomatoes.
The term typically refers to a dining utensil but can also be used more broadly for similar knives in cooking contexts.
A person who is very skilled at playing card games, often implying the use of cleverness or trickery.
A gambler who cheats at card games.
A person who collects or studies playing cards.
A nickname for someone who is good at card tricks or magic.
The term can be used both positively to describe skill and negatively to imply cheating.
Full meaning →A deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of money or valuables.
An act of persuading someone to believe something false, often for personal gain.
Slang for a fraudulent or dishonest business deal.
The term is informal and often used to describe scams or frauds.
Full meaning →A style of pants or jeans that is fitted through the thigh and slightly flares out from the knee to the hem.
A type of computer startup process that loads the operating system.
A term used in dance to describe a movement involving a sharp outward step.
The term is most commonly used in fashion but can also appear in computing and dance contexts.
A member of the United States Navy's elite special operations force trained for unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and reconnaissance missions.
A type of waterproof watch designed for underwater use.
A slang term for someone who is highly disciplined and physically fit.
A brand name for military-style clothing and gear.
The term primarily refers to the military unit but can also be used in brand names or slang contexts.
A confidence trick in which a small object is hidden under one of several containers that are quickly shuffled, and the player tries to guess its location.
A deceptive or fraudulent scheme designed to confuse or mislead.
A business or financial arrangement used to disguise ownership or movement of assets.
The term can refer to a literal street con game or be used metaphorically to describe deceptive practices.
Full meaning →A leaf from the mint plant, commonly used as a fresh herb in cooking and beverages for its cool, aromatic flavor.
A decorative garnish made from mint leaves.
A term used in herbal medicine to refer to leaves used for their soothing properties.
The term 'mint leaf' primarily refers to the herb but can also be used in culinary, decorative, or medicinal contexts.
A type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from radioactive atoms and certain cosmic sources.
A term used in physics to describe a photon with very short wavelength and high frequency.
In medicine, radiation used for cancer treatment and sterilization.
A slang term for intense or powerful energy or force.
Gamma ray primarily refers to a form of radiation but can also appear in scientific, medical, and informal contexts.
Full meaning →A device that holds a roll of adhesive tape and allows for easy cutting and application of the tape.
A tool used in offices and homes to dispense various types of tape.
A small mechanical or plastic holder designed to keep tape organized and accessible.
Commonly used in crafting, packaging, and office work.
A style of clothing, especially pants or skirts, designed to sit low on the hips below the natural waistline.
A type of building or structure with only a few floors, typically one to three stories tall.
Describing a hairstyle cut to be short and close to the head at the nape of the neck.
The term can be used in fashion, architecture, and hairstyling contexts.
A type of sponge designed for cleaning that is often colorful and used for household chores or bathing.
A playful nickname for a person who absorbs or enjoys fun experiences.
A brand name for a novelty sponge product.
The term can refer to a cleaning product or be used metaphorically or as a brand name.
Full meaning →An act of charging someone too much money for something or providing something of poor quality in exchange for payment.
A copy or imitation of something, usually of inferior quality.
An unfair or dishonest action intended to deceive or cheat someone.
The term is informal and often used to express dissatisfaction with prices or quality.
Very thin or slender in appearance.
A type of low-fat or low-calorie food or drink option.
Informal term for information or details about something.
Slang for a close-fitting style of clothing, especially jeans.
The term can be used as an adjective, noun, or slang and may appear in brand names or informal speech.
A trick or deception intended to cheat or swindle someone.
Nonsense or meaningless talk.
A fraud or hoax.
To cheat or swindle someone.
The term can be used as a noun or a verb and is often informal or slang.
Full meaning →A small spoon with a pointed or serrated tip designed for scooping out the flesh of a grapefruit.
A spoon used for eating other citrus fruits.
A utensil sometimes used for decorative purposes in fruit salads.
The term specifically refers to a type of spoon used for grapefruit but can occasionally be used more broadly for similar utensils.
Full meaning →Experiencing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
Describing an object, especially furniture or clothing, made to look aged or worn.
In finance, referring to assets or companies in financial trouble or near bankruptcy.
The term can be used as an adjective in emotional, physical, or financial contexts.