Issue #925 Mon 14 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 14, 2026
This grid demands a steady hand as the letters begin to settle. Take a moment to scan the board before committing to your first path.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The hair on your arms stands up when the lights flicker out unexpectedly.
Physiological responses to sudden intensity
INVOLUNTARY PHYSICAL REACTIONS
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
Two-word phrase
13 letters.
Starts with T, ends with G.
THAT'S SHOCKING
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 E (7 letters)
- 2 F (6 letters)
- 3 G (4 letters)
- 4 R (6 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 EX (7 letters)
- 2 FR (6 letters)
- 3 GA (4 letters)
- 4 RE (6 letters)
- 5 SH (7 letters)
- 6 ST (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Let a loud sound out when the surprise hits you.
7 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXCLAIM
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Stand completely still as if your feet are glued to the floor.
6 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FR.
FREEZE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Inhale sharply when the room goes dark.
4 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GA.
GASP
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Pull your body back from the edge of a steep drop.
6 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RE.
RECOIL
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Feel a wave of tremors pass through your shoulders.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHUDDER
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Jump because of a sudden noise near the door.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
START
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
- EXCLAIM
- FREEZE
- GASP
- RECOIL
- SHUDDER
- START
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 14, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for September 14, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 14, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 14, 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 September 14, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 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 September 14, 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 · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 13-letter spangram