Are you stuck on today’s NYT Strands puzzle? You’re not alone.
Strands can be tricky with its hidden words and clever themes, but don’t worry, I’ve got the hints and full answers for Tuesday, September 26, 2025, right here.
Let’s break down the puzzle step by step so you can keep your streak alive.
What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is the New York Times’ latest word puzzle, joining the ranks of Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Connections. Each day, you’re presented with a 6×8 letter grid and a theme.
Here’s what makes Strands unique:
- Theme Words: Each puzzle has 5-8 hidden words that connect to the daily theme.
- Spangram: A special word or phrase that runs across the grid, tying the theme together.
- Hints: Whenever you find a non-theme word, the game reveals extra letters in one of the hidden words to help you.
It’s a balance of vocabulary, logic, and lateral thinking.
NYT Strands Theme for September 26, 2025
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Today’s Theme: As old as time.
NYT Strands Hints for September 26, 2025
If you want a nudge before seeing the answers, here are some clues:
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Spangram Orientation: Vertical
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Spangram Starts With: “GR”
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General Hint for Theme Words: Pieces and mechanisms that keep a classic timepiece ticking and chiming.
Extra theme word hints:
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Hint #1: Heavy objects that provide the driving force in old clocks.
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Hint #2: The swinging piece that regulates time.
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Hint #3: The sound you hear when the clock marks the hour.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer for September 26, 2025
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Spangram Answer: GRANDFATHER CLOCK
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Direction: Vertical
The spangram is always the anchor of the puzzle, once you spot it, the rest falls into place.
All NYT Strands Theme Words for September 26, 2025
Here are today’s 8 theme words:
- GEARS
- WEIGHTS
- CHIMES
- WINDER
- PENDULUM
Together with the spangram, these form today’s complete solution.- Bookmark this page and check back daily for fresh solutions
Difficulty Level for Today’s Puzzle
On a scale of 1 to 5, I’d rate today’s Strands puzzle a [2].
Why? The spangram was easy, and the theme words were obvious.
Of course, difficulty is subjective – your experience may vary!
What is a Spangram in NYT Strands?
The Spangram is a unique word or phrase that stretches across the grid, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
It ties directly to the theme and is often the biggest clue for solving the puzzle.
Once you find it, you’ll usually unlock the path to the rest of the answers.
Tips and Tricks to Solve NYT Strands
Want to get better at solving Strands daily? Try these strategies:
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Start with the corners: Longer words often anchor in the grid’s edges.
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Use hints wisely: Don’t hesitate to find extra words to reveal letters.
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Think figuratively: The theme can be literal or metaphorical.
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Hunt the spangram early: Solving it unlocks the grid and theme faster.
FAQs on NYT Strands
Q1: What is today’s Strands theme?
A: As old as time.
Q2: What is the spangram for September 26, 2025?
A: The spangram is GRANDFATHER CLOCK.
Q3: Can I play old Strands puzzles?
A: Yes, NYT Games has a puzzle archive. Subscribers can access and replay previous puzzles by selecting the date.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up today’s NYT Strands hints and answers for September 26, 2025.
Bookmark this page and check back daily for fresh solutions, tips, and tricks to keep your winning streak alive.
How did you find today’s puzzle? Was it easy, tricky, or somewhere in between? Share your thoughts below!

Hi, I’m Ankit Kumar, the founder of StealthyGaming. I handle everything from SEO to researching and writing gaming articles. I’m passionate about helping fellow gamers stay updated with the latest tips, guides, and news. When I’m not optimizing content, I’m probably testing out new games or digging into strategies to make my articles as helpful and engaging as possible.