Issue #878 Wed 29 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 29, 2026
A steady, deliberate pace defines this grid. Take your time with the intersections.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The long, quiet process of assembly in a workshop, turning raw parts into a singular presence.
Manufacturing and construction
ARTIFICIALLY CONSTRUCTED
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single adjective
10 letters.
Starts with F, ends with D.
FABRICATED
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 D (4 letters)
- 2 D (5 letters)
- 3 F (8 letters)
- 4 M (9 letters)
- 5 P (6 letters)
- 6 S (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 DO (4 letters)
- 2 DU (5 letters)
- 3 FI (8 letters)
- 4 MA (9 letters)
- 5 PU (6 letters)
- 6 ST (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A small childhood companion that sits permanently on the shelf.
4 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DO.
DOLL
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The silent partner in a ventriloquist act.
5 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DU.
DUMMY
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A tiny, detailed replica often kept behind glass.
8 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FI.
FIGURINE
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
It waits in the window wearing next season's clothes.
9 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MA.
MANNEQUIN
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Controlled by strings from above to dance on command.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PU.
PUPPET
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A silent, stone-faced resident of the public park.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STATUE
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
- DOLL
- DUMMY
- FIGURINE
- MANNEQUIN
- PUPPET
- STATUE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 29, 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 29, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 29, 2026?
NYT Strands on July 29, 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 29, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "F" — 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 29, 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