Issue #898 Tue 18 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 18, 2026
Today's grid asks you to keep your wits about you. Expect a steady climb toward a final reveal that pulls the rug out from under your assumptions.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A gold watch that stops ticking the moment you hand over your cash.
Interpersonal dynamics and social interactions
PEOPLE WHO OPERATE UNDER FALSE PRETENSES
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
Single word noun
9 letters.
Starts with C, ends with N.
CHARLATAN
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (9 letters)
- 2 B (4 letters)
- 3 D (7 letters)
- 4 D (4 letters)
- 5 H (8 letters)
- 6 M (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BA (9 letters)
- 2 BI (4 letters)
- 3 DE (7 letters)
- 4 DU (4 letters)
- 5 HO (8 letters)
- 6 MI (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
To leave someone completely turned around and unsure of what just happened.
9 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BA.
BAMBOOZLE
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
To walk away with someone's money without providing the agreed-upon service.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BI.
BILK
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
To present a fiction as fact to gain an advantage.
7 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DE.
DECEIVE
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A person who is easily taken in by a well-crafted story.
4 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DU.
DUPE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
To pull a fast one while keeping a straight face.
8 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HO.
HOODWINK
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
To steer someone toward a wrong conclusion with a carefully placed suggestion.
7 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MI.
MISLEAD
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
- BAMBOOZLE
- BILK
- DECEIVE
- DUPE
- HOODWINK
- MISLEAD
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 18, 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 18, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 18, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 18, 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 18, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "C" — 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 18, 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