Issue #794 Wed 6 May
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — May 6, 2026
The morning light filters through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Prepare for an early awakening as you navigate this grid.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The feeling of sunlight hitting your face as you pull back the covers.
Morning routines and daily activities
WAKING UP MOTIVATION
Spangram 4 hints · 12 letters
The connector word
Three-word imperative phrase
12 letters.
Starts with R, ends with E.
RISE AND SHINE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (6 letters)
- 2 C (5 letters)
- 3 R (7 letters)
- 4 S (7 letters)
- 5 S (4 letters)
- 6 S (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AS (6 letters)
- 2 CL (5 letters)
- 3 RA (7 letters)
- 4 SH (7 letters)
- 5 SO (4 letters)
- 6 SP (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Move toward the top of a mountain or staircase.
6 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AS.
ASCEND
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Use your hands and feet to scale a steep rock face.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CL.
CLIMB
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The way warmth and light spread outward from a central source.
7 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RA.
RADIATE
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A faint, wavering light reflecting off a quiet pond.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHIMMER
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Glide through the air at a great height.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOAR
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The brilliant effect of light catching a polished diamond.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SP.
SPARKLE
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
- ASCEND
- CLIMB
- RADIATE
- SHIMMER
- SOAR
- SPARKLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on May 6, 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 6, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on May 6, 2026?
NYT Strands on May 6, 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 May 6, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 12 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "R" — 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 6, 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 · 12-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram