Issue #775 Fri 17 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 17, 2026
The shoreline offers its own quiet treasures if you know where to look. Today we examine the varied inhabitants of the intertidal zone.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Walking along the tide line, you might spot these calcified remnants left behind by the receding surf.
Marine biology and coastal life
SOFT BODIED INVERTEBRATES
Spangram 4 hints · 7 letters
The connector word
Single word
7 letters.
Starts with M, ends with K.
MOLLUSK
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (7 letters)
- 2 C (4 letters)
- 3 C (5 letters)
- 4 L (6 letters)
- 5 M (6 letters)
- 6 O (6 letters)
- 7 S (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AB (7 letters)
- 2 CL (4 letters)
- 3 CO (5 letters)
- 4 LI (6 letters)
- 5 MU (6 letters)
- 6 OY (6 letters)
- 7 SC (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
This creature is prized for its iridescent, rainbow-like interior lining, a material long sought by jewellers.
7 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AB.
ABALONE
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A bivalve often found buried in the wet sand at low tide.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CL.
CLAM
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
This spiral-shaped find is famously used as a natural trumpet.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
CONCH
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A small, conical resident that clings tightly to submerged rocks.
6 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LI.
LIMPET
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
These dark, oblong bivalves are commonly served steamed in pots.
6 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MU.
MUSSEL
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
This rough-hewn specimen is frequently harvested for its culinary value.
6 letters.
Starts with O.
Starts with OY.
OYSTER
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Known for its distinctive fan shape and active swimming ability.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCALLOP
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
- ABALONE
- CLAM
- CONCH
- LIMPET
- MUSSEL
- OYSTER
- SCALLOP
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 17, 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 17, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 17, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 17, 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 17, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 7 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 17, 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 · 7-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 7-letter spangram