Issue #897 Mon 17 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 17, 2026
This grid offers a steady, rhythmic progression for a Sunday morning. You will find that patience serves you better than speed today.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The sharp click of a door hinge or the way a stiff gate resists a push until you find the right angle.
Human anatomy and physical movement
ARTICULATIONS OF THE HUMAN FRAME
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with B, ends with S.
BODY JOINTS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (5 letters)
- 2 E (5 letters)
- 3 K (4 letters)
- 4 K (7 letters)
- 5 N (4 letters)
- 6 S (8 letters)
- 7 W (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AN (5 letters)
- 2 EL (5 letters)
- 3 KN (4 letters)
- 4 KN (7 letters)
- 5 NE (4 letters)
- 6 SH (8 letters)
- 7 WR (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
This narrow point often swells when you miscalculate a step on uneven pavement.
5 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AN.
ANKLE
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Resting your weight on this hard surface at a coffee shop is a universal habit.
5 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EL.
ELBOW
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A quick tap here is how the doctor checks your reflexes during a physical.
4 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KN.
KNEE
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The white, protruding bump that appears when you make a tight, frustrated fist.
7 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KN.
KNUCKLE
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A stiff sensation here often follows hours spent staring at a computer screen.
4 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NE.
NECK
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
You might carry the weight of the day right here, causing a persistent ache.
8 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHOULDER
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
This flexible site is where you check your watch or adjust a tight bracelet.
5 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WR.
WRIST
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
- ANKLE
- ELBOW
- KNEE
- KNUCKLE
- NECK
- SHOULDER
- WRIST
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 17, 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 17, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 17, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 17, 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 17, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 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 August 17, 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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 10-letter spangram