Strands · Hints and answers
Strands hints and answers for Friday, August 7, 2026
Friday's Strands board has four theme words plus a 15-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "Struggling to find the words". 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 "Struggling to find the words" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 15 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.
Hint 2 of 3
The four theme words run 5 to 13 letters (lengths: 5, 6, 9, 13). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.
Hint 3 of 3
The spangram starts with W and ends with T. It is WHATCHAMACALLIT - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.
Spangram and theme words
The spangram first, then all four theme words.
SPANGRAM
WHATCHAMACALLIT
DINGUSTheme word
DOOHICKEYTheme word
GIZMOTheme word
THINGAMAJIGGYTheme word
Next on the board
NYT Mini Crossword →
A 5x5 grid. Show one answer at a time, or open the full grid.