NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 21, 2026

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle , and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself.

Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 21, 2026 Duck Duck Goose meaning A traditional children's circle game.

Hot Potato meaning A controversial, difficult or problematic issue that no one wants to deal with..

Leapfrog meaning A traditional children's game in which one player crouches or bends over at the waist, and others take turns hopping over their back.

Musical Chairs meaning A party game where players walk or march around a row or circle of chairs while music plays.

Alpha dog meaning The dominant leader or highest-ranking animal in a dog or wolf pack.

Big cheese meaning An important, influential person who holds power, authority,or a top leadership position in an organization or company.

Heavyweight meaning Someone or something of above-average weight.

Top banana meaning The most important, powerful or leading person in a group, organization or activity American Gothic meaning A 1930s oil painting of a Midwestern farmer holding a pitchfork and his unmarried grown daughter.

Campbell's Soup Can meaning A series of 32 paintings produced by American artist Andy Warhol.

Sunflowers meaning A tall, annual flowering plant in the daisy family, famous for its large, bright yellow flower heads and edible seeds.