Issue #690 Thu 22 Jan
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — January 22, 2026
A Wednesday grid that leans into the lighter side of the vocabulary. These entries offer a brief, elevated departure from the usual morning routine.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A long-awaited letter from a distant friend or the moment the rain stops exactly when you step outside.
Idiomatic expressions regarding extreme states of mind.
STATES OF SUPREME CONTENTMENT
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
A single compound word.
13 letters.
Starts with S, ends with N.
SEVENTHHEAVEN
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (5 letters)
- 2 E (7 letters)
- 3 E (7 letters)
- 4 E (8 letters)
- 5 R (8 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BL (5 letters)
- 2 EC (7 letters)
- 3 EL (7 letters)
- 4 EU (8 letters)
- 5 RH (8 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The quiet stillness of a house after the last guest has left.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLISS
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A dizzying, overwhelming rush that makes the ground feel unsteady.
7 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EC.
ECSTASY
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The buoyancy felt when hearing unexpected good news.
7 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EL.
ELATION
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
An intense, prolonged high that seems to lift you off your feet.
8 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EU.
EUPHORIA
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A sweeping, impassioned performance that captures every ounce of attention.
8 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RH.
RHAPSODY
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
- BLISS
- ECSTASY
- ELATION
- EUPHORIA
- RHAPSODY
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on January 22, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for January 22, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on January 22, 2026?
NYT Strands on January 22, 2026 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 January 22, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "S" — 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 January 22, 2026?
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 · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 13-letter spangram