What connects DONE, SUNK, THROUGH and TOAST in NYT Connections?

DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, and TOAST are all synonyms for 'Doomed' — the yellow category in NYT Connections #1157 (August 11, 2026). Each word can mean finished, ruined, or beyond saving in informal English.

What connects BET, BRAVO, HISTORY and USA in NYT Connections?

BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, and USA are all Basic Cable Channels — the green category. Each is a well-known American cable television network: BET (Black Entertainment Television), Bravo, History Channel, and USA Network.

NYT Connections Word Meanings for August 11, 2026: All 16 Words Defined

Q: What are the 16 words in NYT Connections today August 11, 2026?

The 16 words in today's NYT Connections puzzle #1157 (August 11, 2026) are: DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST, BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA, GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE, AYE, HARE, KNOWS, and TUNG.

Q: What connects GOING, ONCE, SOLD and TWICE in NYT Connections?

GOING, ONCE, SOLD, and TWICE are all Words in an Auctioneer's Chant — the blue category. Together they form the classic auction phrase: 'Going once, going twice, sold!'

Q: What connects AYE, HARE, KNOWS and TUNG in NYT Connections?

AYE, HARE, KNOWS, and TUNG are all Homophones of Facial Features — the purple category. AYE sounds like 'eye,' HARE sounds like 'hair,' KNOWS sounds like 'nose,' and TUNG sounds like 'tongue.'

Q: What does TOAST mean in NYT Connections?

In today's puzzle, TOAST is used in its slang sense meaning doomed, finished, or in serious trouble (e.g., 'you're toast'). It belongs to the yellow 'Doomed' category alongside DONE, SUNK, and THROUGH.

Q: What does TUNG mean in NYT Connections?

TUNG refers to the tung tree (Vernicia fordii), a tree whose seeds produce tung oil used in wood finishes and paints. In today's puzzle, TUNG is a homophone of 'tongue' (a facial/mouth feature), placing it in the purple category.

Q: What does AYE mean in NYT Connections?

AYE is a formal affirmative vote meaning 'yes,' commonly used in parliamentary proceedings. In NYT Connections #1157, AYE is a homophone of 'eye' (a facial feature), making it part of the purple 'Homophones of Facial Features' category.

Q: What does HARE mean in NYT Connections?

A HARE is a large wild rabbit-like mammal known for its long ears and fast speed. In today's puzzle, HARE is a homophone of 'hair' (a facial/head feature), placing it in the purple category alongside AYE (eye), KNOWS (nose), and TUNG (tongue).

NYT Connections hints and answers for August 11, 2026 — Puzzle #1157 word meanings and definitions

NYT Connections #1157 — August 11, 2026: Complete word meanings and category breakdown

If you're staring at DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST, BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA, GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE, AYE, HARE, KNOWS, and TUNG on your NYT Connections board today (August 11, 2026, puzzle #1157) and trying to figure out how they connect, this definitive guide provides the full definition, category connection, and red-herring analysis for every single word.

Below you will find detailed breakdowns for all 16 words organized by category, including individual word meanings, linguistic connections, and strategic warnings about deceptive traps like "doomed" overlaps (DONE, THROUGH, HISTORY, TOAST) or homophone confusion (AYE, KNOWS, HARE, TUNG). For additional daily assistance, visit our main NYT Connections hints and answers hub.

Today's NYT Connections Answers — August 11, 2026 (Puzzle #1157)

🟨 Yellow — Doomed: DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST

🟩 Green — Basic Cable Channels: BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA

🟦 Blue — Words In An Auctioneer's Chant: GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE

🟪 Purple — Homophones Of Facial Features: AYE, HARE, KNOWS, TUNG

🟨

Yellow

Doomed

DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST

🟩

Green

Basic Cable Channels

BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA

🟦

Blue

Words In An Auctioneer's Chant

GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE

🟪

Purple

Homophones Of Facial Features

AYE, HARE, KNOWS, TUNG

Today's 16 Words on the Grid: DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST, BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA, GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE, AYE, HARE, KNOWS, TUNG

When you launch today's NYT Connections puzzle (#1157 for August 11, 2026), you are presented with 16 scrambled terms: DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST, BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA, GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE, AYE, HARE, KNOWS, and TUNG. At first glance, words like DONE, THROUGH, and HISTORY seem to share a "finished" theme, while GOING, ONCE, and TWICE suggest numbers or frequency. However, sorting them into the correct 4 groups requires analyzing slang meanings, television networks, auction terminology, and phonetic wordplay.

Today's puzzle is particularly deceptive because several words can serve double duty. For instance, HISTORY means both "you're history" (doomed) and the History Channel (cable network). Similarly, BET can feel like it belongs to risk or gambling themes, but it actually represents the BET cable network. Understanding these multi-layered meanings is the key to today's board.

What Do DONE, SUNK, THROUGH and TOAST Have in Common?

If you grouped DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, and TOAST together on your grid, their unifying theme is Doomed — the yellow category. Each word functions as informal English slang meaning finished, ruined, or beyond saving. When someone says "you're done," "we're sunk," "I'm through," or "you're toast," they all convey the same sense of inevitable defeat.

DONE (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Done means completed, finished, or — in slang — ruined beyond recovery. "You're done" implies someone's fate is sealed and there is no way back.

Connections Context: In the August 11, 2026 puzzle, DONE represents a synonym for being doomed. Do not group it with GOING or ONCE (auction words) — its role here is strictly as a colloquial expression meaning finished or defeated, alongside SUNK, THROUGH, and TOAST.

SUNK (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Sunk means submerged beneath water (past tense of sink), or figuratively, doomed and beyond help. "We're sunk" means a situation is hopeless and recovery is impossible.

Connections Context: While SUNK literally refers to something that has descended below the surface, today's puzzle uses its slang meaning — doomed, ruined, without hope. It pairs with DONE, THROUGH, and TOAST in the yellow category. Do not associate it with nautical or water-related themes.

THROUGH (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Through means having passed from one side to another, or informally, finished and done with something entirely. "I'm through" means someone has had enough and considers the situation over.

Connections Context: In today's grid, THROUGH serves as a synonym for being doomed or finished — not as a directional preposition. Saying "I'm through with this" signals giving up or acknowledging defeat. It fits the yellow "Doomed" category alongside DONE, SUNK, and TOAST.

TOAST (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Toast is browned bread made by heating slices, or — in popular slang — a state of being doomed or in serious trouble. "You're toast" is a widely used informal phrase meaning you are finished or about to face consequences.

Connections Context: Despite its primary food meaning, TOAST in this puzzle represents the slang expression of being doomed. Resist grouping it with food-related or breakfast items. It completes the yellow category with DONE, SUNK, and THROUGH. The phrase "you're toast" was popularized in the 1984 film Ghostbusters.

What Connects BET, BRAVO, HISTORY and USA?

If you're wondering what connects BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, and USA, they are all Basic Cable Channels — the green category. Each term is the name of a popular American cable television network available in standard cable TV packages.

BET (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: BET stands for Black Entertainment Television, an American cable channel launched in 1980 that targets African American audiences with music, entertainment, news, and cultural programming.

Connections Context: While "bet" commonly means a wager or gamble, in today's puzzle it refers to the cable TV network. Do not place BET in a gambling, risk, or "doomed" category — its role is strictly as a television channel name alongside BRAVO, HISTORY, and USA.

BRAVO (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Bravo is an American cable television network owned by NBCUniversal, known for reality shows like The Real Housewives, Top Chef, and Below Deck. The word "bravo" also means "well done!" as an exclamation of praise.

Connections Context: Although BRAVO is also a NATO phonetic alphabet letter and an exclamation of applause, today's puzzle uses it as a cable TV network name. It groups with BET, HISTORY, and USA in the green "Basic Cable Channels" category.

HISTORY (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: History (formerly the History Channel) is an American cable television network featuring documentaries, series, and specials about historical events, ancient civilizations, and modern discoveries.

Connections Context: This is the biggest trap in today's puzzle. "You're history" is a common phrase meaning doomed or finished, which makes HISTORY seem like it belongs in the yellow "Doomed" category. However, it actually refers to the History cable TV channel. Correctly placing HISTORY in the green category is essential to solving today's board.

USA (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: USA Network is an American cable television channel owned by NBCUniversal, known for original dramas like Suits, Mr. Robot, and Psych, along with WWE programming and movies.

Connections Context: While USA most commonly means the United States of America, in today's puzzle it represents the USA Network cable channel. Do not group it under geography, patriotism, or country-themed categories. It belongs with BET, BRAVO, and HISTORY in the green category.

What Do GOING, ONCE, SOLD and TWICE Have in Common?

The blue category features GOING, ONCE, SOLD, and TWICE. Their hidden connection: all four are Words In An Auctioneer's Chant. Together they compose the iconic auction phrase: "Going once, going twice, sold!"

GOING (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Going means departing or leaving, or the present participle of "go." In auction terminology, "going" is the auctioneer's announcement that a bid is about to close — "Going once, going twice..."

Connections Context: In today's grid, GOING specifically represents its role in the classic auctioneer's chant. Do not confuse it with movement or travel meanings. It pairs with ONCE, TWICE, and SOLD to form the familiar auction call sequence.

ONCE (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Once is an adverb meaning one single time, formerly, or at some point in the past. In the auctioneer's chant, "going once" represents the first warning before a sale closes.

Connections Context: While ONCE could suggest fairy tales ("once upon a time") or frequency, today's puzzle uses it as part of the auction phrase. ONCE joins GOING, TWICE, and SOLD in the blue "Words In An Auctioneer's Chant" category.

SOLD (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Sold is the past tense of "sell," meaning exchanged for money. In auctions, "SOLD!" is the auctioneer's final declaration after the hammer drops, confirming the winning bid.

Connections Context: SOLD might seem like a general commerce word, but in today's puzzle it specifically represents the climactic conclusion of an auctioneer's chant. It belongs in the blue category alongside GOING, ONCE, and TWICE. Do not group it with real estate or sales-related themes.

TWICE (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Twice is an adverb meaning two times or on two occasions. In the auctioneer's chant, "going twice" is the second and final warning before the gavel falls and a lot is sold.

Connections Context: While TWICE is a common frequency word (and the name of a popular K-pop group), in today's puzzle it represents the second part of the auction phrase. It completes the blue category with GOING, ONCE, and SOLD.

How Do AYE, HARE, KNOWS and TUNG Relate?

The trickiest purple category today includes AYE, HARE, KNOWS, and TUNG. The unifying factor: all four are Homophones Of Facial Features. When spoken aloud, each word sounds identical to a part of the human face or head.

AYE → sounds like eye 👁️
HARE → sounds like hair 💇
KNOWS → sounds like nose 👃
TUNG → sounds like tongue 👅

AYE (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Aye is a formal affirmative vote meaning "yes," widely used in parliamentary and legislative proceedings (e.g., "the ayes have it"). It is also common in nautical language ("aye aye, captain").

Connections Context: In NYT Connections #1157, AYE is a homophone of "eye" — a facial feature. When pronounced, AYE and EYE sound identical. Do not group it with voting, politics, or agreement themes. It belongs in the purple "Homophones Of Facial Features" category alongside HARE (hair), KNOWS (nose), and TUNG (tongue).

HARE (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: A hare is a large, fast-running wild mammal of the family Leporidae, similar to but distinct from a rabbit. Hares have longer legs, longer ears, and are generally larger than rabbits. Famous in the fable The Tortoise and the Hare.

Connections Context: Despite being an animal, HARE in today's puzzle is a homophone of "hair" — a feature of the head and face. When spoken, HARE and HAIR are phonetically identical. It groups with AYE (eye), KNOWS (nose), and TUNG (tongue) in the purple category.

KNOWS (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Knows is the third-person singular present tense of "know," meaning to be aware of, understand, or have information about something (e.g., "she knows the answer").

Connections Context: In today's puzzle, KNOWS is a homophone of "nose" — a prominent facial feature. When spoken aloud, KNOWS and NOSE sound exactly the same. The silent "K" in knows creates this phonetic match. Do not group it with knowledge, intelligence, or wisdom themes.

TUNG (Meaning & Connection)

Definition: Tung refers to the tung tree (Vernicia fordii), a deciduous tree native to East Asia whose seeds produce tung oil — a drying oil used extensively in wood finishes, paints, varnishes, and waterproof coatings.

Connections Context: This is perhaps the trickiest word in today's entire puzzle. TUNG is a homophone of "tongue" — a muscular organ in the mouth and a facial/oral feature. While tung oil is a real and significant industrial product, today's puzzle exploits the phonetic similarity between TUNG and TONGUE. It completes the purple category with AYE (eye), HARE (hair), and KNOWS (nose).

⚠️ Red Herring Traps to Avoid in Today's Puzzle

The "Doomed" Overlap Trap: DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST, HISTORY, and even GOING ("going down") can all loosely mean doomed or finished. But HISTORY belongs in the cable channels group, not Doomed. Picking the wrong fifth word will cost you a guess.
The "You Bet / You're History" Trap: Phrases like "you bet" and "you're history" make BET and HISTORY seem like they belong with the doomed/slang category. Both are actually television channel names (BET and History Channel).
The "Numbers / Frequency" Trap: ONCE, TWICE, and THROUGH might look like a counting or frequency group. However, ONCE and TWICE belong to the auctioneer's chant, while THROUGH is a doomed synonym.
The "Knowledge / Awareness" Trap: KNOWS might seem related to intelligence, awareness, or trivia, but it is purely a homophone of "nose" in today's puzzle.
The "Animals" Trap: HARE is clearly an animal, but do not try to form an animal group. HARE is a homophone of "hair" and belongs in the purple category.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYT Connections #1157 (August 11, 2026)

What are the 16 words in NYT Connections today (August 11, 2026)?

The 16 words in today's NYT Connections puzzle #1157 are: DONE, SUNK, THROUGH, TOAST, BET, BRAVO, HISTORY, USA, GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE, AYE, HARE, KNOWS, and TUNG.

What connects DONE, SUNK, THROUGH and TOAST?

They are all synonyms for Doomed — forming today's yellow category. Each word, when used in slang context (e.g., "you're toast," "we're sunk"), conveys the meaning of being finished, ruined, or without hope.

Why are BET, BRAVO, HISTORY and USA in the same group?

They represent Basic Cable Channels — the green category. BET (Black Entertainment Television), Bravo, History (formerly the History Channel), and USA (USA Network) are all well-known American cable television networks.

What do GOING, ONCE, SOLD and TWICE have in common?

They are all Words In An Auctioneer's Chant — the blue category. Together they form the iconic auction phrase: "Going once, going twice, sold!"

How do AYE, HARE, KNOWS and TUNG relate?

They are all Homophones Of Facial Features — the purple category. AYE sounds like "eye," HARE sounds like "hair," KNOWS sounds like "nose," and TUNG sounds like "tongue."

What does DONE mean in NYT Connections August 11, 2026?

In NYT Connections #1157, DONE means finished, used up, or ruined beyond recovery. As slang, "you're done" implies someone is doomed, placing it in the yellow "Doomed" category alongside SUNK, THROUGH, and TOAST.

What does TOAST mean in NYT Connections?

TOAST is used in its slang sense meaning doomed, finished, or in serious trouble (e.g., "you're toast"). It belongs to the yellow "Doomed" category alongside DONE, SUNK, and THROUGH. The phrase was popularized by the 1984 film Ghostbusters.

What does TUNG mean in NYT Connections?

TUNG refers to the tung tree (Vernicia fordii), whose seeds produce tung oil used in wood finishes and paints. In today's puzzle, TUNG is a homophone of "tongue" (a facial/mouth feature), placing it in the purple "Homophones Of Facial Features" category.

What does AYE mean in NYT Connections?

AYE is a formal affirmative vote meaning "yes," used in parliamentary proceedings and naval language. In puzzle #1157, AYE is a homophone of "eye" (a facial feature), making it part of the purple category.

What does HARE mean in NYT Connections?

A HARE is a large, fast-running wild mammal similar to a rabbit. In today's puzzle, HARE is a homophone of "hair" (a facial/head feature), placing it in the purple category alongside AYE (eye), KNOWS (nose), and TUNG (tongue).

What does KNOWS mean in NYT Connections?

KNOWS means to be aware of or understand information. In puzzle #1157, KNOWS is a homophone of "nose" — the silent "K" creates an identical pronunciation. It belongs to the purple "Homophones Of Facial Features" category.

What does SUNK mean in NYT Connections?

SUNK means submerged or descended below the surface (past tense of sink). In slang, "we're sunk" means doomed or without hope. In today's puzzle, it belongs to the yellow "Doomed" category alongside DONE, THROUGH, and TOAST.

Why isn't HISTORY in the "Doomed" category?

Although "you're history" is a common phrase meaning doomed, HISTORY in today's puzzle refers to the History Channel — a basic cable television network. This is the biggest trap in puzzle #1157. HISTORY belongs in the green "Basic Cable Channels" category.

Why isn't BET in the "Doomed" category?

While "you bet" is a common affirmative phrase and betting involves risk, BET in today's puzzle refers to Black Entertainment Television — a basic cable TV network. It belongs in the green category alongside BRAVO, HISTORY, and USA.

What does BRAVO mean in NYT Connections?

BRAVO refers to the Bravo cable television network, owned by NBCUniversal and known for reality shows like The Real Housewives and Top Chef. While "bravo" also means "well done," today's puzzle uses it as a cable channel name.

What does USA mean in NYT Connections?

USA refers to USA Network, an American cable television channel owned by NBCUniversal, known for shows like Suits, Mr. Robot, and Psych. In today's puzzle, it does not represent the United States of America.

What does GOING mean in NYT Connections?

In today's puzzle, GOING is part of the auctioneer's chant — the opening word in "Going once, going twice, sold!" It belongs to the blue "Words In An Auctioneer's Chant" category, not a movement or travel group.

What does THROUGH mean in NYT Connections?

THROUGH means finished, done, or having had enough. "I'm through" signals giving up or acknowledging defeat. In puzzle #1157, it belongs to the yellow "Doomed" category alongside DONE, SUNK, and TOAST.

Master Today's NYT Connections #1157 With Confidence

Now you have the full explanation, individual word definitions, and category logic for all 16 words in the August 11, 2026 (#1157) NYT Connections puzzle. Whether you searched for DONE SUNK THROUGH TOAST, BET BRAVO HISTORY USA, GOING ONCE SOLD TWICE, or AYE HARE KNOWS TUNG, this guide equips you to master today's board. The purple category's homophone wordplay (AYE = eye, HARE = hair, KNOWS = nose, TUNG = tongue) and the deceptive "HISTORY = cable channel, not doomed" trap make this one of the more challenging mid-week puzzles.

For daily hints and strategies, bookmark our NYT Connections Hints page and explore the full puzzle archive to practice previous puzzles.