Key Highlights
- Mashable publishes spoiler-free hints for the NYT Connections puzzle dated September 22, 2026, focusing on word meanings rather than direct answers.
- Today’s puzzle features 16 words—including Accent, Detail, Flourish, Touch, Agree, Disagree, Neutral, Other, That, These, This, Those, Cafe, Patron, Rose, and The—with definitions provided as clues.
- Mashable continues its long-standing coverage of NYT Games, offering daily hints for Connections, Wordle, and Strands alongside a dedicated games hub.
Mashable Releases Daily Connections Guidance for September 22, 2026
Mashable has published its latest spoiler-free breakdown for the New York Times Connections puzzle, offering players a way to understand the underlying clues for the September 22, 2026, edition without revealing the solutions. The outlet, which has provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, emphasizes that its approach centers on word meanings rather than explicit category reveals. As the article notes, “sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself,” highlighting how Connections frequently employs words-within-words and visual misdirection as core mechanics.
Today’s Puzzle Words and Definitions
The guide lists all 16 words featured in today’s grid alongside their dictionary definitions, a format designed to help solvers spot semantic patterns or misleading polysemies. The words and their provided meanings are:
Accent meaning
A specific way of pronouncing a language that shows where a person is from.
Detail meaning
A small part, specific fact or individual item that makes up a larger whole.
Flourish meaning
To grow well, succeed or wave something around in a showy way.
Touch meaning
To make physical contact with someone or something.
Agree meaning
To have the same opinion.Advertisement
Disagree meaning
To have a differing opinion.
Neutral meaning
Not taking sides or being involved in a conflict.
Other meaning
Additional, different or the remaining option.
That meaning
A word used as a pronoun, determiner relative pronoun or conjuction to point out a specific object.
These meaning
The plural demonstrative determiner of ‘this.’
This meaning
A pronoun, determiner or adverb used to point out a specific person or thing.
Those meaning
A demonstrative determiner used to point out multiple people or things.
Cafe meaning
A small casual restaurant that serves coffee, tea and small bites..
Patron meaning
A person who supports an organization or cause.
Rose meaning
A coiled flower that typically comes in red, pink or white colors.
The meaning
A definite article that points out a specific noun.
By presenting the definitions in this raw format, Mashable allows players to identify potential groups—such as demonstratives (This, That, These, Those), grammatical functions, or thematic links like Cafe and Patron—without spoiling the final categorization.
Broader NYT Games Ecosystem and Mashable’s Coverage
Beyond the daily Connections hints, Mashable cross-promotes its coverage of the wider NYT Games portfolio. The article directs readers to dedicated hints for NYT Strands and reminds the audience of the outlet’s games hub, which now includes Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords. A newsletter sign-up for “Mashable’s Top Stories” and push alerts are also highlighted as distribution channels for tech and digital culture news. For solvers who missed the previous day, a link to “yesterday’s Connections” solution is provided, ensuring the archive remains accessible.
Why This Matters
The New York Times Games section has become a daily ritual for millions, with Connections joining Wordle and the Crossword as a flagship puzzle. Mashable’s consistent, spoiler-free hint strategy serves a specific audience segment: players who want a nudge without having the “aha!” moment stolen. By focusing on definitions and linguistic nuances—such as the multiple parts of speech for words like “Rose” (noun/verb) or “Touch” (noun/verb)—the guide teaches the meta-skills needed to solve future puzzles independently. The inclusion of Strands and the expanding Mashable games hub signals a growing publisher investment in the puzzle vertical as a retention and audience-development tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times where players must sort 16 words into four groups of four based on a shared theme, category, or linguistic property. Groups range from straightforward synonyms to tricky wordplay involving homophones, prefixes, or pop-culture references.
Where can I find the full answers for today’s puzzle?
Mashable publishes a separate “hints and answers” article for each day’s Connections puzzle. The current guide provides definitions only; the companion answers piece reveals the four categories and their member words.
Does Mashable provide hints for other New York Times games?
Yes. Mashable offers daily hints and solutions for Wordle and NYT Strands in addition to Connections, and operates a games hub featuring Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords.
