Here are today's NYT Strands hints, the spangram, and the theme answers for September 21, 2026, puzzle #1121. 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: "It's back!". There are 5 theme words today, with letter counts 4, 5, 6, 10, and 10.
Today's spangram hint
The spangram is 13 letters long. It starts with N and ends with D.
Today's Strands spangram
Reveal today's spangram
The spangram for September 21, 2026 is NINETIESTREND.
NINETIESTREND names a bygone style making a comeback, which is exactly what the 'It's back!' theme celebrates with GRUNGE, LYCRA, NEON, SCRUNCHIES, and TRACKSUITS.
I tried to revive the nineties trend by wearing neon and a scrunchie, but my fashion sense was stuck in a time loop.
Today's Strands answers
Reveal today's Strands answers
Theme words for September 21, 2026:
- GRUNGE
- LYCRA
- NEON
- SCRUNCHIES
- TRACKSUITS
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.