Issue #873 Fri 24 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 24, 2026
A patient grid. The word-list clusters tightly around one idea; scanning slowly beats racing.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You order a large fries, and the cashier tips in another handful — no charge, no fanfare, just a bonus scoop.
Everyday quantities and portions.
PHRASES FOR TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
A three-word conversational phrase, colloquial and idiomatic.
11 letters.
Starts with A, ends with E.
AND THEN SOME
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 E (6 letters)
- 2 E (5 letters)
- 3 L (8 letters)
- 4 S (5 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
- 6 U (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 EX (6 letters)
- 2 EX (5 letters)
- 3 LE (8 letters)
- 4 SP (5 letters)
- 5 SU (7 letters)
- 6 UN (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The champagne overflowed the glass and puddled on the tablecloth.
6 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXCESS
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
An additional shot the barista added without ringing it up.
5 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXTRA
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The turkey sandwich you'll eat for lunch three days after Thanksgiving.
8 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LE.
LEFTOVER
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The tire in the trunk you hope never to install.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SP.
SPARE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
An army-navy store sells jackets and canteens the government didn't need.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SU.
SURPLUS
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The dusty exercise bike serving as a coat rack in the guest bedroom.
6 letters.
Starts with U.
Starts with UN.
UNUSED
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
- EXCESS
- EXTRA
- LEFTOVER
- SPARE
- SURPLUS
- UNUSED
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 24, 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 24, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 24, 2026?
NYT Strands on July 24, 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 24, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "A" — 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 24, 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 · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 11-letter spangram