Spoiler-safe daily page
Strands Hint & Answer
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: The mark of a good composer
Spangram today
12 letters · direction unknown
Show spangram hintHide
This word represents the foundation of a musical score, consisting of five horizontal lines and four spaces where all other symbols are placed.
The spangram has 12 letters and ties the whole theme together.
Show spangramHide
MUSICALSTAFF
Theme word hints
Open one card at a time. Each preview hides the full word until you choose to reveal it.
Word 1: ACC...
ACCIDENTAL
Theme word starting with ACC.
Word 2: BRA...
BRACKET
Theme word starting with BRA.
Word 3: CLE...
CLEF
Theme word starting with CLE.
Word 4: MEA...
MEASURE
Theme word starting with MEA.
Word 5: NOT...
NOTE
Theme word starting with NOT.
Word 6: RES...
REST
Theme word starting with RES.
Reveal today's Strands answers
Ready for the complete list? This section keeps the spangram and theme words behind one final reveal.
Show all answersHide
Theme
The mark of a good composer
Today's theme, 'The mark of a good composer', invites players to explore the world of sheet music and written scores. It focuses on the various symbols and structures that a composer uses to translate sound into a visual format.
Spangram
12
letters
Theme words
6
to find
Difficulty
Next puzzle in
--
Hours
--
Minutes
--
Seconds
Countdown targets midnight Eastern Time, when the next daily puzzle usually rolls over.
More puzzle helpers
Past Strands answers
View allHow 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.