NYT Strands — Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Today's puzzle theme: "No rush" · Puzzle #983
Spangram
Theme words (6)
How to Use This Solver
- Read the clue at the top — it hints at what the theme words share.
- Try to find theme words by tracing connected letters in the grid.
- Stuck? Click Spangram only to reveal just the spanning word (it touches two opposite edges and tells you the theme).
- Click + Theme cells to highlight which letters belong to theme words without revealing the words themselves.
- Click + Connect paths to see the exact path of each word through the grid.
What is the Spangram?
The spangram is Strands’ signature word — it spans the grid from one side to the opposite side and directly describes the theme. Finding it is usually the key to unlocking the whole puzzle.
Strategy Tips
- Hunt the spangram first. It often runs corner-to-corner or top-to-bottom. Look for an obvious thematic word that touches two opposite edges.
- Theme words don’t overlap. Every letter in the grid is used by exactly one theme word or the spangram. If a letter is used by "BUTTE," it can’t be reused.
- Words can bend any direction. Up, down, sideways, diagonal — and they zigzag freely between letters. Trace with your finger.
- Three non-theme words earn a hint. If you find three legitimate-but-non-themed words in a row, the game gives you a hint about a theme word’s location.
Recent Puzzles
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new Strands puzzle drop?
Midnight Eastern Time (US). We typically have the spangram and theme words posted within minutes.
Is this an official NYT site?
No. This is an unofficial fan site that mirrors the daily puzzle for quick reference. NYT Strands is a trademark of The New York Times Company.
Why reveal the spangram before the theme words?
The spangram tells you the theme of the puzzle without giving away any of the smaller theme words — it's the perfect "nudge" hint. Once you know the theme, the other words come more easily.
Can I play Strands here?
Not yet — play the actual puzzle at nytimes.com/games/strands. We're here for when you get stuck.
What letters are in the grid?
Strands grids are 6 columns × 8 rows = 48 letters. Every letter is used by exactly one theme word or the spangram — there are no "empty" or filler letters like in a crossword.