Connections Hints: Aug 22, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Aug 22, 2026 (2026-08-22). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1249

Puzzle #1249 · 2026-08-22

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #1249 for 2026-08-22, edition main, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: CARPENTRY TOOLS, KINDS OF MELON, GARDEN HOSE SETTINGS and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

  • CARPENTRY TOOLS
  • KINDS OF MELON
  • GARDEN HOSE SETTINGS
  • ___ GIRLS OF POP CULTURE

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

CARPENTRY TOOLS

CHISEL
HAMMER
PLANE
SAW

KINDS OF MELON

BITTER
MUSK
WATER
WINTER

GARDEN HOSE SETTINGS

CONE
JET
MIST
SHOWER

___ GIRLS OF POP CULTURE

GILMORE
GOLDEN
MEAN
SPICE

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.

CARPENTRY TOOLS

CHISEL
HAMMER
PLANE
SAW

KINDS OF MELON

BITTER
MUSK
WATER
WINTER

GARDEN HOSE SETTINGS

CONE
JET
MIST
SHOWER

___ GIRLS OF POP CULTURE

GILMORE
GOLDEN
MEAN
SPICE

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