Issue #903 Sun 23 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 23, 2026
A steady, methodical path through the grid today. You will find that the pieces fall into place with patience.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Salt spray on a wooden deck, a long road home, and the heavy weariness of a decade spent away from your own front door.
Classic literature and ancient mythology
FAMOUS ANCIENT GREEK EPIC
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with T, ends with Y.
THE ODYSSEY
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (7 letters)
- 2 K (4 letters)
- 3 S (4 letters)
- 4 S (6 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
- 6 U (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CY (7 letters)
- 2 KI (4 letters)
- 3 SH (4 letters)
- 4 SI (6 letters)
- 5 SU (7 letters)
- 6 UN (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A solitary giant stands guard at the entrance to the cave.
7 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CY.
CYCLOPS
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
He sits at the head of the long table, waiting for his house to be set in order.
4 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KI.
KING
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The wooden hull creaks against the waves during the long trek.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHIP
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Their haunting melody draws sailors toward the jagged rocks.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SI.
SIRENS
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A crowd of unwanted guests lingers in the hall, hoping for an invitation that will never come.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SU.
SUITORS
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
The dark, silent realm where the shadows of the past reside.
10 letters.
Starts with U.
Starts with UN.
UNDERWORLD
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
- CYCLOPS
- KING
- SHIP
- SIRENS
- SUITORS
- UNDERWORLD
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 23, 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 23, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 23, 2026?
NYT Strands on August 23, 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 23, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 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 23, 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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram