Issue #899 Wed 19 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 19, 2026
Today's grid requires a bit of patience as you navigate the layout. Keep an eye out for how the longer entries anchor the rest of the board.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A stadium scoreboard showing the winning team's score. The crowd roars as the mascot runs onto the field.
Commonly used idioms and colloquial phrases
PEOPLE AT THE TOP OF THEIR FIELD
Spangram 4 hints · 7 letters
The connector word
A standard two-word noun phrase
7 letters.
Starts with T, ends with S.
TOP DOGS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (6 letters)
- 2 K (7 letters)
- 3 M (7 letters)
- 4 O (5 letters)
- 5 R (6 letters)
- 6 S (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CH (6 letters)
- 2 KE (7 letters)
- 3 MU (7 letters)
- 4 ON (5 letters)
- 5 RE (6 letters)
- 6 SA (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A yellow or white slice that melts perfectly over a warm toasted bun.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHEESE
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The thick red pourable classic that everyone expects to see at a picnic.
7 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KE.
KETCHUP
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A pungent yellow condiment that provides a sharp kick to every bite.
7 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MU.
MUSTARD
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Diced white bits that add a necessary crunch and bite to the ensemble.
5 letters.
Starts with O.
Starts with ON.
ONION
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A sweet, pickled green garnish that brings a brighter note to the savory mix.
6 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RE.
RELISH
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
Finely shredded fermented cabbage that adds a distinct tanginess to the plate.
10 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SA.
SAUERKRAUT
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
- CHEESE
- KETCHUP
- MUSTARD
- ONION
- RELISH
- SAUERKRAUT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 19, 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 19, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 19, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 19, 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 19, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 7 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "T" — 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 19, 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 · 7-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 7-letter spangram