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.

Comic meaning

A type of cartoon.

Salad meaning

A meal often considered healthy.

Bacon meaning

A popular breakfast meat.

Sparkler meaning

A type of firework.

Popsicle meaning

A frozen treat.

Pop-up meaning

Ads that appear in standalone boxes.

Candy meaning

A sweet treat.

Hobby Horse meaning

A toy that features a horse's head on a stick.

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