Issue #939 Mon 28 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 28, 2026
Today's grid requires a steady hand and a keen eye for physical properties. Work through these layers to reveal the final shape.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Chisels biting into a block, the dust settling on a workbench, and a silhouette emerging from a heavy slab.
Three-dimensional fine art production
PHYSICAL ARTISTIC MEDIUMS
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
Single-word noun
9 letters.
Starts with S, ends with E.
SCULPTURE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (6 letters)
- 2 C (4 letters)
- 3 G (5 letters)
- 4 M (6 letters)
- 5 S (9 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
- 7 W (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BR (6 letters)
- 2 CL (4 letters)
- 3 GL (5 letters)
- 4 MA (6 letters)
- 5 SO (9 letters)
- 6 ST (5 letters)
- 7 WO (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A metallic alloy often used to cast medals or decorative statues.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRONZE
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Malleable earth that hardens in a kiln.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CL.
CLAY
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Fragile, transparent, and created by extreme heat.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GL.
GLASS
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A polished metamorphic rock favored by classical masters.
6 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MA.
MARBLE
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A soft, heat-resistant rock that is surprisingly easy to carve.
9 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOAPSTONE
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A rigid industrial alloy known for its strength and cold luster.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STEEL
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A natural material harvested from trees for traditional carving.
4 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WO.
WOOD
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
- BRONZE
- CLAY
- GLASS
- MARBLE
- SOAPSTONE
- STEEL
- WOOD
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 28, 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 28, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 28, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 28, 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 28, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "S" — 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 28, 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 · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 9-letter spangram