NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 9, 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 9, 2026 Channel meaning A passage, route or medium through which something flows, travels or is transmitted.

Input meaning Any resource, data, energy or signal put into a system or machine.

Power meaning The capacity, ability or authority to act, influence, or direct people, events and physical systems.

Volume meaning The degree of intensity, fullness or audibility of a tone or sound from an audio device.

Blowout meaning An easy, one-sided victory or defeat where one team or candidate wins by a very large margin.

Romp meaning To achieve a quick, effortless victory in a game, race or competition.

Rout meaning A complete and crushing defeat of an opponent in a battle, sports game or election.

Sweep meaning To clean a surface using a broom or brush.

Highlights meaning The best, most interesting or most important parts of an event.

Recap meaning To give a brief summary or review of the main points from a previous story, discussion, meeting or event.