Issue #142 Tue 23 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 23, 2024
Today's grid requires a sharp eye for the gaps in the layout. Precision and patience will see you through to the end.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The blue ribbon pinned to a lapel, the final whistle, the weight of the trophy in your hands.
Competitive achievement and top-tier status
INDIVIDUALS WHO FINISH FIRST
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
A single, eight-letter noun.
8 letters.
Starts with C, ends with N.
CHAMPION
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 E (9 letters)
- 2 I (6 letters)
- 3 P (7 letters)
- 4 S (11 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 EX (9 letters)
- 2 IC (6 letters)
- 3 PE (7 letters)
- 4 SU (11 letters)
- 5 SU (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A grade beyond what was requested, marked in red ink at the top of a page.
9 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXCELLENT
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The silhouette of a star that everyone recognizes from across the room.
6 letters.
Starts with I.
Starts with IC.
ICONIC
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
No missed stitches, no stray marks, and every detail accounted for.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PERFECT
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
The highest form of an adjective that leaves no room for debate.
11 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SU.
SUPERLATIVE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The position held by the one person who answers to nobody else.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SU.
SUPREME
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- EXCELLENT
- ICONIC
- PERFECT
- SUPERLATIVE
- SUPREME
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 23, 2024. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for July 23, 2024, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 23, 2024?
NYT Strands on July 23, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the July 23, 2024 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "C" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on July 23, 2024?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 8-letter spangram