Issue #790 Sat 2 May
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — May 2, 2026
The floor is polished and the music is playing. It is time to find your place and follow the rhythm of the room.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A crowded room of people moving in perfect unison to a steady, driving beat.
Traditional group choreography
SYNCHRONIZED GROUP ROUTINE
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
Compound noun
9 letters.
Starts with L, ends with E.
LINE DANCE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (7 letters)
- 2 K (4 letters)
- 3 P (4 letters)
- 4 S (6 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
- 6 S (7 letters)
- 7 W (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CO (7 letters)
- 2 KI (4 letters)
- 3 PO (4 letters)
- 4 SA (6 letters)
- 5 SC (5 letters)
- 6 SH (7 letters)
- 7 WI (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A beverage mat used to protect wooden surfaces from moisture rings.
7 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COASTER
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A sharp, sudden thrust of the foot often used in sports.
4 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KI.
KICK
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A small horse breed often associated with children's riding.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PO.
PONY
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
One who works on a vessel at sea.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SA.
SAILOR
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The mark left on a shoe or floor after a clumsy scrape.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCUFF
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
To move one's feet along the ground without lifting them fully.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHUFFLE
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A legendary figure skilled in the practice of magic.
6 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WI.
WIZARD
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
- COASTER
- KICK
- PONY
- SAILOR
- SCUFF
- SHUFFLE
- WIZARD
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on May 2, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for May 2, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on May 2, 2026?
NYT Strands on May 2, 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 May 2, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "L" — 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 May 2, 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 · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 9-letter spangram