Issue #875 Sun 26 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 26, 2026
A steady, deliberate climb through the grid today. Expect a session that asks for your full focus but pays out in clean, satisfying connections.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The quiet confidence of someone who has already read the last page of the book.
Cognitive capacity and intellectual stature
PEOPLE OF HIGH INTELLECT
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
Two-word noun
8 letters.
Starts with B, ends with N.
BIG BRAIN
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (9 letters)
- 2 E (6 letters)
- 3 G (4 letters)
- 4 M (5 letters)
- 5 P (6 letters)
- 6 S (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AU (9 letters)
- 2 EX (6 letters)
- 3 GU (4 letters)
- 4 MA (5 letters)
- 5 PU (6 letters)
- 6 SP (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
The person you go to when the final decision must be made.
9 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AU.
AUTHORITY
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A professional whose opinion is sought to settle a technical debate.
6 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXPERT
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A spiritual or philosophical guide who keeps a dedicated following.
4 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GU.
GURU
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
One who keeps a deep, encyclopedic collection of niche information.
5 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MA.
MAVEN
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A commentator frequently invited to interpret current events on the news.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PU.
PUNDIT
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
A doctor who only treats one specific part of the body.
10 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SP.
SPECIALIST
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
- AUTHORITY
- EXPERT
- GURU
- MAVEN
- PUNDIT
- SPECIALIST
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 26, 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 26, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 26, 2026?
NYT Strands on July 26, 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 26, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — 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 26, 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 · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 8-letter spangram