Here are today's NYT Strands hints, the spangram, and the theme answers for August 16, 2026, puzzle #1074. Solving tips come first, then progressive clues; spoilers stay collapsed until you open them.
How to solve Strands
The grid is a word search with a theme and one special span word.
- Read the theme clue first and keep it in mind while you scan. Theme words usually share that idea.
- Look for long paths early. Longer theme words and the spangram are easier to spot than short fillers.
- The spangram touches two opposite sides of the grid and names the theme. If a long snake of letters hits both edges, try it.
- Three valid non-theme words of four or more letters earn an in-game hint when you need a nudge.
- After you find a few theme words, reread the leftover letters. The missing ones often snap into place once half the theme is clear.
Today's Strands theme hint
The puzzle's theme clue is: "Learn by doing". There are 5 theme words today, with letter counts 6, 6, 7, 8, and 10.
Today's spangram hint
The spangram is 11 letters long. It starts with J and ends with G.
Today's Strands spangram
Reveal today's spangram
The spangram for August 16, 2026 is JOBTRAINING.
JOBTRAINING here means the hands-on learning that turns a newcomer into a skilled worker, as in an apprenticeship or internship.
I asked for a raise, but my boss said I was already getting paid in experience,I guess that's the currency of job training.
Today's Strands answers
Reveal today's Strands answers
Theme words for August 16, 2026:
How to play NYT Strands
Find every theme word hidden in the grid, plus one spangram that touches two opposite sides and names the theme. Three non-theme words of four letters or more earn a hint.
FAQ
What is a spangram?
The one word or phrase that spans the grid from one side to the other and describes the day's theme.
Where can I play NYT Strands?
On the New York Times Games site and in the NYT Games app.
Need a letter tool?
Use the word unscrambler or the Wordle solver when you are stuck on a word game that is not Strands.