Issue #774 Thu 16 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 16, 2026
The clock has stopped, the emails are left unread, and the desk is clear. Today we step away from the professional grind to focus on what occupies the quiet hours of our personal lives.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The feeling of dust motes dancing in a sunbeam while you do exactly what you like without a deadline in sight.
Personal autonomy and leisure activities
MOTIVATION FOR LEISURE
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Three-word phrase
10 letters.
Starts with J, ends with N.
JUST FOR FUN
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 H (5 letters)
- 2 I (8 letters)
- 3 P (7 letters)
- 4 R (10 letters)
- 5 S (8 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 HO (5 letters)
- 2 IN (8 letters)
- 3 PA (7 letters)
- 4 RE (10 letters)
- 5 SI (8 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A dedicated pursuit that one keeps up with during their off-hours.
5 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HO.
HOBBY
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A subject that captures your attention and keeps you engaged.
8 letters.
Starts with I.
Starts with IN.
INTEREST
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
An activity that helps the hours disappear pleasantly.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PA.
PASTIME
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
The state of refreshing oneself through play or relaxation.
10 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RE.
RECREATION
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A secondary project pursued alongside one's primary professional duties.
8 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SI.
SIDELINE
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
- HOBBY
- INTEREST
- PASTIME
- RECREATION
- SIDELINE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 16, 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 16, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 16, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 16, 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 April 16, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "J" — 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 16, 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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 10-letter spangram