NYT Connections Answer & Hints for August 31, 2025 — Puzzle #812

Stuck on today’s Connections? Below you’ll find an intro, full definitions of all 16 words, spoiler-light hints, category titles, one word from each group, and the complete solution.

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About Today’s Connections Puzzle

Puzzle #812 (published August 31, 2025) brings together board game basics, harsh criticism slang, heteronyms (words with multiple pronunciations/meanings), and playful “___ sticks” phrases.

Definitions of the 16 Words

Alphabetical order to avoid hinting at groupings:

Word	Short definition
AXES	Plural of axe (a tool); also pronounced differently to mean “removes or eliminates.”
BASH	To hit forcefully; slang: to strongly criticize.
BASS	Can mean a type of fish (bass) or a low-pitched sound (bass).
BOARD	A flat surface; in games, the surface on which play takes place.
BLAST	A loud explosion; slang: to attack or criticize severely.
CARDS	Small rectangular pieces of stiff paper, often used for playing games.
CHOP	To cut into pieces; appears in the phrase “chopsticks.”
COORDINATE	To organize or arrange; also pronounced differently as a noun (“coordinates,” location points).
DICE	Small cubes with numbers 1–6 on each face, used in many games.
DOES	Plural of doe (female deer); also pronounced differently as the verb “does.”
DRUM	A percussion instrument; also part of “drumsticks.”
FIDDLE	A violin (informally); also in the phrase “fiddlesticks!”
FISH	Water-dwelling animal; also in “fish sticks,” a breaded seafood product.
FLAME	The visible part of fire; slang: to harshly criticize, especially online.
PIECES	Individual items in a board game, moved around the board.
ROAST	To cook with dry heat; slang: to humorously or harshly criticize someone.