Issue #933 Tue 22 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 22, 2026
A steady, rhythmic grid that requires careful observation. Expect a patient afternoon with these intersecting paths.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The sweater you pull from the back of the closet, the cooling air at six in the evening, and the calendar page turning.
Astronomical and seasonal milestones
SEASONAL TURNING POINT
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Two-word compound noun
11 letters.
Starts with F, ends with X.
FALL EQUINOX
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (10 letters)
- 2 P (11 letters)
- 3 S (6 letters)
- 4 T (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CH (10 letters)
- 2 PR (11 letters)
- 3 SW (6 letters)
- 4 TR (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 4 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
What happens when you trade your summer linens for heavier wools.
10 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHANGEOVER
Theme word 2 of 4 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
A steady sequence of steps leading from one state to the next.
11 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PR.
PROGRESSION
Theme word 3 of 4 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The quick flip of a toggle that alters the entire room.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SW.
SWITCH
Theme word 4 of 4 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
A gentle move between two distinct conditions.
10 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRANSITION
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
- CHANGEOVER
- PROGRESSION
- SWITCH
- TRANSITION
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 22, 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 22, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 22, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 22, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 4 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the September 22, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "F" — 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 22, 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 4 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 theme words · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 theme words · 11-letter spangram