Strands · Hints and answers

Strands hints and answers for Thursday, August 20, 2026

NYT theme clue: "Split superlatives" · Edited by Tracy Bennett

Thursday's Strands board has eight theme words plus a 8-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "Split superlatives". The ladder below climbs from the theme to the spangram - take one hint at a time.

Hints, in order

Hint 0 of 3

Tap to show one hint at a time.

Hint 1 of 3

The NYT clue is "Split superlatives" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 8 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.

Hint 2 of 3

The eight theme words run 4 to 8 letters (lengths: 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 7, 8). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.

Hint 3 of 3

The spangram starts with Y and ends with E. It is YOURETHE - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.