Issue #767 Thu 9 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 9, 2026
A study of the various substances used to bind pigment and carry color to a surface.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A wooden palette holds dollops of various substances used to bind pigments together.
The materials and techniques of fine art
ARTISTIC VEHICLE AND TECHNIQUE
Spangram 4 hints · 6 letters
The connector word
A single six-letter noun
6 letters.
Starts with M, ends with M.
MEDIUM
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (7 letters)
- 2 E (6 letters)
- 3 F (6 letters)
- 4 P (6 letters)
- 5 T (7 letters)
- 6 W (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AC (7 letters)
- 2 EN (6 letters)
- 3 FR (6 letters)
- 4 PA (6 letters)
- 5 TE (7 letters)
- 6 WA (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A fast-drying synthetic substance that becomes water-resistant once it has set.
7 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AC.
ACRYLIC
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A hard, glossy coating often used for durability on metal or ceramic surfaces.
6 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EN.
ENAMEL
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The technique of applying pigment directly onto freshly laid lime plaster.
6 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FR.
FRESCO
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Dried pigment shaped into a stick and held together by a minimal amount of binder.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PA.
PASTEL
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A permanent, fast-drying substance traditionally made by mixing pigments with egg yolk.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TE.
TEMPERA
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
Transparent pigments suspended in a solution and applied to paper with a brush.
10 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WA.
WATERCOLOR
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
- ACRYLIC
- ENAMEL
- FRESCO
- PASTEL
- TEMPERA
- WATERCOLOR
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 9, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for April 9, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 9, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 9, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the April 9, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 6 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "M" — 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 April 9, 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 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 6-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 6-letter spangram