Issue #781 Thu 23 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 23, 2026
An ancient lineup with six theme words and a six-letter spangram. Each entry covers one slice of life that mythology assigned to a specific deity.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A vast, marked territory where a sovereign holds absolute sway over all that happens within.
A specific sphere of influence or control.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Spangram 4 hints · 6 letters
The connector word
Single word.
6 letters.
Starts with D, ends with N.
DOMAIN
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 H (7 letters)
- 2 L (4 letters)
- 3 M (8 letters)
- 4 T (7 letters)
- 5 U (10 letters)
- 6 W (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 HA (7 letters)
- 2 LO (4 letters)
- 3 MA (8 letters)
- 4 TH (7 letters)
- 5 UN (10 letters)
- 6 WI (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The seasonal gathering of crops from the fields.
7 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HA.
HARVEST
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A profound feeling of deep affection and attachment.
4 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LO.
LOVE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The formal union of two people as partners in life.
8 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MA.
MARRIAGE
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The loud rumbling sound heard after a lightning strike.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TH.
THUNDER
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
The mythical place where spirits of the departed reside.
10 letters.
Starts with U.
Starts with UN.
UNDERWORLD
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
6 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WI.
WISDOM
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
- HARVEST
- LOVE
- MARRIAGE
- THUNDER
- UNDERWORLD
- WISDOM
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 23, 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 23, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 23, 2026?
NYT Strands on April 23, 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 23, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 6 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 23, 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