Issue #880 Fri 31 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 31, 2026
Today's grid asks for a steady hand and a bit of patience. Expect a few clever detours before the path clarifies.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The golden mane catching the afternoon light, a heavy paw shifting in the tall grass, and the low rumble that vibrates through the savanna floor.
Astrology and the zodiac
ZODIACAL FIGURE
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with L, ends with N.
LEO THE LION
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (4 letters)
- 2 B (5 letters)
- 3 C (8 letters)
- 4 D (8 letters)
- 5 G (8 letters)
- 6 L (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BO (4 letters)
- 2 BO (5 letters)
- 3 CH (8 letters)
- 4 DR (8 letters)
- 5 GE (8 letters)
- 6 LO (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
You stand center stage without a hint of hesitation.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOLD
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Someone always has to decide which movie the group is watching.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOSSY
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A smile that makes the entire room settle into a comfortable silence.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHARMING
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The kind of flair that demands an audience for every minor gesture.
8 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DR.
DRAMATIC
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
You always pick up the check, even when it is not your turn.
8 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GE.
GENEROUS
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The person who stays in the foxhole long after everyone else has retreated.
5 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LO.
LOYAL
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
- BOLD
- BOSSY
- CHARMING
- DRAMATIC
- GENEROUS
- LOYAL
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 31, 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 31, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 31, 2026?
NYT Strands on July 31, 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 31, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "L" — 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 31, 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