Strands Hint

Spoiler-safe daily page

Strands Hint & Answer

September 13, 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: Top secret

Spangram today

10 letters · direction unknown

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

This word describes someone working in a way that is hidden or disguised, often spanning from the left side of the board to the right to define the entire puzzle's theme.

The spangram has 10 letters and ties the whole theme together.

Show spangram
UNDERCOVER

UNDERCOVER

Theme word hints

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

Word 1: AGE...

AGENT

Theme word starting with AGE.

Word 2: ASS...

ASSET

Theme word starting with ASS.

Word 3: COU...

COUNTERSPY

Theme word starting with COU.

Word 4: MOL...

MOLE

Theme word starting with MOL.

Word 5: OPE...

OPERATIVE

Theme word starting with OPE.

Word 6: PLA...

PLANT

Theme word starting with PLA.

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

Top secret

UNDERCOVERAGENTASSETCOUNTERSPYMOLEOPERATIVEPLANT

Today's theme 'Top secret' dives into the high-stakes world of espionage and clandestine operations. It explores the various roles and identities assumed by those working in the shadows of intelligence agencies.

Spangram

10

letters

Theme words

6

to find

Difficulty

medium

Next puzzle in

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Hours

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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.