Issue #808 Wed 20 May
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — May 20, 2026
Six theme words plus a twelve-letter spangram. The board today is straightforward in shape; the connecting phrase is the kind that hides in plain sight until the very last word clicks the picture into focus.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A long-case clock ticks in an empty hall while sunlight moves inch by inch across a faded rug, the kettle still settling.
Everyday conversational English — the body of stock phrases people offer one another as reassurance or permission in ordinary speech.
No rush
Spangram 4 hints · 12 letters
The connector word
A imperative phrase — a stock reassurance offered to ease anxious haste.
Three short English words placed without any space or separator between them, the cadence of a patient hand resting on a shoulder.
Starts with T, ends with E.
TAKEYOURTIME
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (4 letters)
- 2 G (6 letters)
- 3 L (9 letters)
- 4 P (6 letters)
- 5 R (7 letters)
- 6 S (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CA (4 letters)
- 2 GE (6 letters)
- 3 LE (9 letters)
- 4 PL (6 letters)
- 5 RE (7 letters)
- 6 SL (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The state of a millpond at dawn, of a doctor's voice when the X-ray comes back clean, of breathing that's settled after a long climb.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CALM
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The opposite of rough. A nurse's grip on a small wrist, a breeze that moves the curtain without disturbing the cat asleep on the sill.
6 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GE.
GENTLE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
How a Sunday brunch unfolds when the kitchen has all day to fill — at the pace of a turning newspaper page and a second pot of coffee.
9 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LE.
LEISURELY
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The look of a mountain lake before any wind picks up — a mirror lying flat, holding the sky's reflection without ripple or argument.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PL.
PLACID
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The shoulders of someone who just remembered it's Saturday. The hand that lets the rope go limp because the boat is already moored.
7 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RE.
RELAXED
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The pace of cold honey leaving the jar, or of a turtle crossing a garden path with all the patience of an ancient parliament.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SL.
SLOW
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
- CALM
- GENTLE
- LEISURELY
- PLACID
- RELAXED
- SLOW
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on May 20, 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 20, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on May 20, 2026?
NYT Strands on May 20, 2026 rates 2 out of 4 — a moderate challenge. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the May 20, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 12 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "T" — 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 20, 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
- Steady
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Steady
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram