Daily themed word-path game
Today’s NYT Strands answers and hints for October 20, 2026, game #961, with the theme clue, spangram, every theme word, and recent solutions.
Today’s NYT Strands answers for October 20, 2026, game #961, are hidden below. Start with the theme clue, reveal individual themed words, or uncover the spangram and complete grid.
Strands uses every letter in an 8-by-6 grid exactly once. Theme words may bend in any direction, while the spangram describes the theme and connects two opposite edges of the board.
Theme words and spangram
Uncover one themed path at a time for October 20, 2026, game #961.
Trace the theme
Strands gets easier when you treat the board as connected shapes instead of separate letters. These habits help expose the theme without spoiling the satisfaction of finding it.
The theme clue may be literal, playful, or refer to a shared setting. Consider several interpretations before tracing words.
The spangram touches two opposite sides of the board, so long paths beginning or ending near an edge deserve attention.
Words can turn in any of eight directions. Do not assume a promising sequence must continue in a straight line.
Once a word is found, inspect the shape of the remaining letters. Narrow corridors often reveal the next path.
Themed answers may be parts of a larger concept rather than direct synonyms of the clue.
Every letter belongs to a theme word or the spangram. A cluster of unused letters can confirm an answer even when the theme is subtle.
In case you missed it
October 19, 2026 · Game #960
Recent solutions
Open a recent date to review its theme, spangram, word list, and solved path grid.
DEITY, DRYAD, FATES, FURIES, MUSES, NYMPH, SATYR
HEADPHONES, SNEAKERS, SUNGLASSES, VEST, WATCH
BABBLE, BLUSH, FIDGET, GIGGLE, PERSPIRE, STUMBLE
AMOEBA, ATOM, FOLLICLE, MITE, MOLECULE, PINPOINT
BEACON, DOME, GALLERY, LANTERN, STAIRCASE, TOWER
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Quick answers about the spangram, theme words, hidden solutions, and recent games.
The current Strands game number and date appear at the top of this page and update with the newest official puzzle.
The spangram is a word or phrase describing the puzzle theme. Its path connects two opposite edges of the letter grid.
Yes. You can reveal the theme clue, one themed word at a time, the spangram, or the entire solved grid.
Yesterday’s solved grid appears below the tips, followed by compact panels for the five most recent games.
No. Answer Today is an independent puzzle-help website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The New York Times.