Issue #931 Sun 20 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 20, 2026
Today's grid requires a bit of extra focus as the paths wind through the letter bank. It is an engaging session that rewards those who trace the lines carefully.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A gold-leaf frame on a thrift store painting that was clearly never meant to hang in a gallery.
Human behavior and personality traits
EXCESSIVE SELF IMPORTANCE
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Single noun
11 letters.
Starts with G, ends with Y.
GRANDIOSITY
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (7 letters)
- 2 B (5 letters)
- 3 B (4 letters)
- 4 F (4 letters)
- 5 G (5 letters)
- 6 P (7 letters)
- 7 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BL (7 letters)
- 2 BO (5 letters)
- 3 BR (4 letters)
- 4 FL (4 letters)
- 5 GL (5 letters)
- 6 PO (7 letters)
- 7 ST (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Filling the room with noise and empty threats when you are actually at a loss for words.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLUSTER
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Making sure everyone at the table hears exactly how much you paid for that watch.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOAST
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Telling a story about your weekend that happens to feature your name in every sentence.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRAG
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Tensing your arm in the mirror just to see if the shirt still fits the way you want.
4 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FL.
FLEX
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Smiling while your opponent realizes they just lost the game.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GL.
GLOAT
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Holding your chin high as if there is a photographer waiting at the end of the sidewalk.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PO.
POSTURE
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Walking with an exaggerated bounce to ensure the whole office notices your new shoes.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STRUT
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
- BLUSTER
- BOAST
- BRAG
- FLEX
- GLOAT
- POSTURE
- STRUT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 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 September 20, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 20, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 20, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the September 20, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "G" — 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 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram