Issue #770 Sun 12 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 12, 2026
A popular Sunday pastime for many, this puzzle invites you to consider ways of presenting yourself. The theme words relate to personal upkeep and arrangement.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The act of applying a final touch to one's appearance before going out.
Personal care and appearance.
SELF-ADORNMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
A three-word phrase.
11 letters.
Starts with I, ends with R.
INTHEMIRROR
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (8 letters)
- 2 B (5 letters)
- 3 C (4 letters)
- 4 G (5 letters)
- 5 P (5 letters)
- 6 P (5 letters)
- 7 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BE (8 letters)
- 2 BR (5 letters)
- 3 CO (4 letters)
- 4 GR (5 letters)
- 5 PR (5 letters)
- 6 PR (5 letters)
- 7 ST (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
To make something more attractive or presentable.
8 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BE.
BEAUTIFY
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Use this to tidy hair or apply a cosmetic.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRUSH
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A tool for detangling or straightening hair.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COMB
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
To make someone or something neat and tidy.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GR.
GROOM
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
To tend to one's feathers or fur with meticulous attention, as a bird or cat might do.
5 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PR.
PREEN
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
To make oneself look neat and tidy, often with minor adjustments.
5 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PR.
PRIMP
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The way in which someone or something is arranged or presented.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STYLE
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
- BEAUTIFY
- BRUSH
- COMB
- GROOM
- PREEN
- PRIMP
- STYLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 12, 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 12, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 12, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 12, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the April 12, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "I" — 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 12, 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram