NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 20, 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 20, 2026 Close meaning The finishing point of a period, event or speech.

End meaning The final part, limit or conclusion of something in time, space or action.

Stop meaning To finish, cease or pause an activity, movement or operation Wrap meaning To cover, fold, or wind paper, cloth or material around an object or person.

Minion meaning A humble subordinate, servant or follower who obeys the orders of a powerful boss or leader.

Poodle meaning A person who is too willing to obey someone else's orders or act as a submissive too.

Puppet meaning Bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken or fish.

Stooge meaning A person who is used, manipulated,or paid by someone else to do an unpleasant, dishonest or secret task Arial meaning A popular sans-serif font.

Bell meaning A hollow, cup-shaped metallic object that makes a ringing sound when struck or triggered.

Dock meaning A raised platform at a warehouse or industrial building used to load and unload trucks or freight trains.

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