Issue #900 Thu 20 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 20, 2026
A steady, methodical rhythm builds across the grid today. Expect a session that asks for a bit of patience as you connect the disparate pieces.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A handwritten note left on the kitchen counter, pointing directly to who is responsible for the morning coffee mishap.
Direct address and personal attribution
DIRECT IDENTIFICATION
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
A two-word possessive phrase
8 letters.
Starts with Y, ends with E.
YOU'RE THE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (4 letters)
- 2 B (4 letters)
- 3 C (4 letters)
- 4 G (4 letters)
- 5 K (5 letters)
- 6 P (7 letters)
- 7 S (8 letters)
- 8 V (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BE (4 letters)
- 2 BE (4 letters)
- 3 CA (4 letters)
- 4 GO (4 letters)
- 5 KN (5 letters)
- 6 PA (7 letters)
- 7 ST (8 letters)
- 8 VE (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Pollinators busy in the lavender patch.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BE.
BEES
Theme word 2 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The top-tier choice among the available options.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BE.
BEST
Theme word 3 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Four-legged roommates that prefer to sleep in sunny rectangles on the floor.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CATS
Theme word 4 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The precious metal tucked away in a heavy vault.
4 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GO.
GOLD
Theme word 5 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Joints that protest after a long hike up the ridge.
5 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KN.
KNEES
Theme word 6 of 8 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Comfortable cotton trousers worn only after the lights go out.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PA.
PAJAMAS
Theme word 7 of 8 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The baseline measurement against which all others are weighed.
8 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STANDARD
Theme word 8 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A degree of intensity that adds weight to any adjective.
4 letters.
Starts with V.
Starts with VE.
VERY
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
- BEES
- BEST
- CATS
- GOLD
- KNEES
- PAJAMAS
- STANDARD
- VERY
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 20, 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 20, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 20, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 20, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 8 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the August 20, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "Y" — 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 20, 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 8 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram