Issue #895 Sat 15 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 15, 2026
This grid offers a steady, rhythmic progression for those who enjoy a methodical solve. Expect to spend a moment orienting yourself before the path forward clears.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Dust motes dancing in a sliver of stained-glass light, the heavy scent of incense, and the echo of footsteps on stone.
Traditional religious architecture and interior elements
PLACES OF RELIGIOUS GATHERING
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
Two-word compound noun
8 letters.
Starts with I, ends with H.
IN CHURCH
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (5 letters)
- 2 B (5 letters)
- 3 C (7 letters)
- 4 H (6 letters)
- 5 L (7 letters)
- 6 P (4 letters)
- 7 P (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AL (5 letters)
- 2 BI (5 letters)
- 3 CA (7 letters)
- 4 HY (6 letters)
- 5 LE (7 letters)
- 6 PE (4 letters)
- 7 PU (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The elevated stone surface where offerings are placed.
5 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AL.
ALTAR
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A thick, leather-bound volume containing ancient scriptures.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BI.
BIBLE
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Slender wax tapers that flicker in the drafty air.
7 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CANDLES
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A small book containing the words and music for congregational singing.
6 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HY.
HYMNAL
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The angled stand where a speaker rests their notes.
7 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LE.
LECTERN
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Hard wooden benches arranged in long, orderly rows.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PEWS
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The raised platform from which a sermon is delivered.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PU.
PULPIT
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
- ALTAR
- BIBLE
- CANDLES
- HYMNAL
- LECTERN
- PEWS
- PULPIT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 15, 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 15, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 15, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 15, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the August 15, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "I" — 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 15, 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 8-letter spangram