Strands · Hints and answers
Strands hints and answers for Thursday, June 18, 2026
Thursday's Strands board has seven theme words plus a 9-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "Beneath the waves". 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 "Beneath the waves" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 9 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.
Hint 2 of 3
The seven theme words run 4 to 8 letters (lengths: 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 8). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.
Hint 3 of 3
The spangram starts with C and ends with F. It is CORALREEF - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.
Spangram and theme words
The spangram first, then all seven theme words.
SPANGRAM
CORALREEF
ALGAETheme word
CRABTheme word
FISHTheme word
PLANKTONTheme word
SEAWEEDTheme word
SHARKTheme word
URCHINTheme word
Next on the board
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