Issue #871 Wed 22 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 22, 2026
Today's word hunt borrows the ritual of a televised contest where replies take an unusual grammatical form.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A host reads a prompt, contestants signal, and every reply must be phrased in reverse.
Television game show conventions
HIGH STAKES SITUATIONS
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with I, ends with Y.
IN JEOPARDY
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (6 letters)
- 2 B (5 letters)
- 3 B (6 letters)
- 4 C (8 letters)
- 5 Q (8 letters)
- 6 W (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AN (6 letters)
- 2 BO (5 letters)
- 3 BU (6 letters)
- 4 CA (8 letters)
- 5 QU (8 letters)
- 6 WA (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Provide the missing piece of information to resolve the mystery.
6 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AN.
ANSWER
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A flat surface where pieces are arranged before the start of play.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOARD
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A spring-loaded device that demands a fast reaction time.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BUZZER
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A specific classification or field of knowledge for a given set of facts.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CATEGORY
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
An inquiry that requires a formal response.
8 letters.
Starts with Q.
Starts with QU.
QUESTION
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The amount you commit to risk on an uncertain outcome.
5 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WA.
WAGER
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
- ANSWER
- BOARD
- BUZZER
- CATEGORY
- QUESTION
- WAGER
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 22, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for July 22, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 22, 2026?
NYT Strands on July 22, 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 July 22, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "I" — 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 July 22, 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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram