Issue #893 Thu 13 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 13, 2026
Today's grid requires a sharp eye and a steady hand. Expect a brisk pace as you navigate these interlocking pathways.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A coal popping from the grate and landing on the rug, leaving a charred mark where the fibers once were.
Metaphors for high-energy personalities
PEOPLE WHO INCITE RADICAL CHANGE
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
Single compound noun
9 letters.
Starts with F, ends with D.
FIREBRAND
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 F (7 letters)
- 2 F (6 letters)
- 3 H (6 letters)
- 4 I (7 letters)
- 5 T (6 letters)
- 6 Z (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 FE (7 letters)
- 2 FI (6 letters)
- 3 HE (6 letters)
- 4 IN (7 letters)
- 5 TO (6 letters)
- 6 ZE (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A person who approaches every hobby with the dedication of a professional athlete.
7 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FE.
FERVENT
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The look of a guard dog meeting a stranger at the garden gate.
6 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FI.
FIERCE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The temperature of an argument that has moved from logic to raised voices.
6 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HE.
HEATED
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A stare that keeps you from looking away until the conversation ends.
7 letters.
Starts with I.
Starts with IN.
INTENSE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A desert afternoon where the air shimmers above the asphalt.
6 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TO.
TORRID
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A campaigner who spends every weekend knocking on doors regardless of the weather.
7 letters.
Starts with Z.
Starts with ZE.
ZEALOUS
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
- FERVENT
- FIERCE
- HEATED
- INTENSE
- TORRID
- ZEALOUS
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 13, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for August 13, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 13, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 13, 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 August 13, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 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 August 13, 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 · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 9-letter spangram