Strands · Hints and answers
Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Tuesday's Strands board has seven theme words plus a 12-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "On the rise". The ladder below climbs from the theme to the spangram - take one hint at a time.
Hints, in order
Hint 0 of 3Tap to show one hint at a time.
Hint 1 of 3
The NYT clue is "On the rise" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 12 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.
Hint 2 of 3
The seven theme words run 4 to 7 letters (lengths: 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 7). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.
Hint 3 of 3
The spangram starts with H and ends with D. It is HIGHERGROUND - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.
Spangram and theme words
The spangram first, then all seven theme words.
SPANGRAM
HIGHERGROUND
BUTTETheme word
HILLTheme word
HUMMOCKTheme word
KNOLLTheme word
MOUNDTheme word
RIDGETheme word
SLOPETheme word
Next on the board
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