Issue #779 Tue 21 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 21, 2026
The line between calculated risk and reckless abandon often blurs when the stakes are at their highest.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The sharp intake of breath before leaping into the unknown, leaving safety behind for the promise of a story.
Extreme sports and high-stakes behavior
PEOPLE WHO FLIRT WITH DANGER
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single compound noun
10 letters.
Starts with D, ends with S.
DAREDEVILS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (11 letters)
- 2 B (4 letters)
- 3 C (10 letters)
- 4 G (5 letters)
- 5 I (8 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AD (11 letters)
- 2 BO (4 letters)
- 3 CO (10 letters)
- 4 GU (5 letters)
- 5 IN (8 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
Inclined to seek out uncharted paths and novel experiences despite the potential for uncertainty.
11 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AD.
ADVENTUROUS
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Showing a willingness to take significant risks without hesitation or concern for social norms.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOLD
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
Displaying a firm, resolute spirit when facing down a formidable or frightening challenge.
10 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COURAGEOUS
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Possessing the raw, unrefined nerve required to stand one's ground in a difficult situation.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GU.
GUTSY
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
Characterized by an unshakeable and persistent determination when navigating perilous terrain.
8 letters.
Starts with I.
Starts with IN.
INTREPID
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
- ADVENTUROUS
- BOLD
- COURAGEOUS
- GUTSY
- INTREPID
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 21, 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 21, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 21, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 21, 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 21, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "D" — 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 21, 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