Strands · Hints and answers
Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Wednesday's Strands board has six theme words plus a 10-letter spangram, under the NYT clue ""What is ..."". 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 ""What is ..."" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 10 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.
Hint 2 of 3
The six theme words run 5 to 8 letters (lengths: 5, 5, 6, 6, 8, 8). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.
Hint 3 of 3
The spangram starts with I and ends with Y. It is INJEOPARDY - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.
Spangram and theme words
The spangram first, then all six theme words.
SPANGRAM
INJEOPARDY
ANSWERTheme word
BOARDTheme word
BUZZERTheme word
CATEGORYTheme word
QUESTIONTheme word
WAGERTheme word
Next on the board
NYT Mini Crossword →
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