Here are today's NYT Strands hints, the spangram, and the theme answers for September 16, 2026, puzzle #1116. 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: "Hard not to notice". There are 6 theme words today, with letter counts 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, and 8.
Today's spangram hint
The spangram is 11 letters long. It starts with E and ends with G.
Today's Strands spangram
Reveal today's spangram
The spangram for September 16, 2026 is EYECATCHING.
EYECATCHING means hard not to notice, the hyphen-free way to say something BRIGHT, FLASHY, or STRIKING.
I removed the hyphen and suddenly the word got even harder to overlook. Talk about drawing attention to yourself.
Today's Strands answers
Reveal today's Strands answers
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.