Strands Hint

Spoiler-safe daily page

Strands Hint & Answer

April 20, 2026

Reveal only what you need: theme first, then spangram help, then individual theme words, and finally the full answer list.

Today's theme hint

Think about: Gloriously glaring!

Spangram today

13 letters · direction unknown

?????????????
Show spangram hint

Think of a three-word phrase that describes the act of a surface reflecting a beam or ray to become visible to the eye.

The spangram has 13 letters and ties the whole theme together.

Show spangram
CATCHTHELIGHT

CATCHTHELIGHT

Theme word hints

Open one card at a time. Each preview hides the full word until you choose to reveal it.

Word 1: GLE...

GLEAM

Theme word starting with GLE.

Word 2: GLI...

GLIMMER

Theme word starting with GLI.

Word 3: GLI...

GLINT

Theme word starting with GLI.

Word 4: GLI...

GLISTEN

Theme word starting with GLI.

Word 5: GLI...

GLITTER

Theme word starting with GLI.

Word 6: GLO...

GLOW

Theme word starting with GLO.

Reveal today's Strands answers

Ready for the complete list? This section keeps the spangram and theme words behind one final reveal.

Show all answers

Theme

Gloriously glaring!

CATCHTHELIGHTGLEAMGLIMMERGLINTGLISTENGLITTERGLOW

Today's theme 'Gloriously glaring!' refers to the various ways objects reflect and emit brilliance. It explores the subtle and intense nuances of brightness found in the world around us.

Spangram

13

letters

Theme words

6

to find

Difficulty

medium

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Seconds

Countdown targets midnight Eastern Time, when the next daily puzzle usually rolls over.

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Past Strands answers

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How to use today's Strands page

Start with the theme hint if you want a gentle push. If that is not enough, open the spangram hint before revealing the full spangram. Theme-word cards let you unlock one answer at a time instead of spoiling the whole board.

When you are ready to check the complete solution, use the final reveal. The archive keeps earlier published days so you can revisit yesterday's board without digging through old search results.

This site is an independent fan-made helper and is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Frequently asked questions

What is Strands?

Strands is a word puzzle where theme words connect through a letter grid.

How do I use this page?

Start with the theme hint, then reveal the spangram hint, spangram, and answers only when needed.

What is a spangram?

A spangram is the long theme answer that ties the rest of the puzzle together.

Are answers shown immediately?

No. The spangram and full answers are hidden behind reveal controls.

Is this an official puzzle page?

No. Strands Hint is an independent fan-made helper.