‘Monticello’ NYT Connections Aug. 31 answer and hints

Remember Hamilton?

Connections game name and logo over a purple background
Image via The New York Times | Edited by Dot Esports

Today’s Connections puzzle in the New York Times features one of the most baffling words in recent memory, as evidenced by confused community member comments and a massive spike in search interest. (This is why you’re here, too, right?)

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If you also have no idea what on earth a Monticello is, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some great Connections answers and hints.

NYT Connections Aug 31 puzzle words
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What is ‘Monticello’ in Connections hints and answer (Aug. 31)

  • Hint 1: The clue here is related to the history of the United States.
  • Hint 2: Money is also involved, but don’t worry; the stakes are not high.
  • Hint 3: Think of the Founding Fathers.

Stop scrolling if you don’t want me to spoil the answer.

MONTICELLO is the name of the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. In the Aug. 31 Connections puzzle, it is grouped under “Seen on backs of U.S coins,” in the most difficult, purple grouping. It is joined by EAGLE, SHIELD, and TORCH.

If you are not a US resident, this one’s going to be an especially tough nut to crack, and it definitely warrants a five out of five difficulty rating.

Connections hints and answer (Aug. 31)

As for the rest of today’s Connections puzzle, here’s how it shakes out:

  • 🟨 Newspaper sections: ARTY, BUSINESS, COMICS, SPORTS
  • 🟩 Tree features: BARK, CROWN, RINGS, ROOTS
  • 🟦 Kinds of salad: CHEF, GARDEN, GREEK, WEDGE
  • 🟪 Seen on backs of U.S coins: EAGLE, MONTICELLO, SHIELD, TORCH

If you would like to take a gander at the entire Connections archive, with hints and answers to past puzzles, we’ve also got you covered.

More word games for Aug. 31: crosswords, Strands, Spelling Bee, oh my!

If you are on the lookout for more entertaining brain-teasers, check out NYT Mini Crossword or today’s Spelling Bee for more word game fun. There are also good crosswords over at the LA Times and the Washington Post to enjoy.

Author
Image of Luci Kelemen
Luci Kelemen
Weekend editor at Dot Esports. Telling tales of gaming since 2015. Black-belt time-waster when it comes to strategy games and Counter-Strike. Previously featured on PC Gamer, Fanbyte, and more, Occasional chess tournament attendant and even more occasional winner.