NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 1, 2026

Today's NYT Connections puzzle includes a variety of words, each with its own specific meaning. Some of these words are quite common, while others are more obscure. For instance, a "Planetarium" is a place where people can observe projections of the stars. An "Arrow" is typically an object that is fired from a bow. The "Hope Diamond" refers to a famous gemstone.

Another word, "For Real," is a slang term used to express seriousness. "Sam Spade" is a reference to a famous fictional detective, and so is "Mike Hammer."

"Cross my heart" is an expression that people use to assure others that they are being truthful. "Pick-up stick" refers to sticks used in a specific tabletop game. "Sherlock Holmes" and "Hercule Poirot" are well-known fictional detectives.

"Spaghetto" is a playful term for a string of spaghetti. "On God" is a way of assuring someone of the truth. Finally, the phrase "Have you learned the meanings and still want the things?" suggests that even after understanding the meanings of the words, the players might still desire the answers to the puzzle itself.