Here are hints and the answers for today's NYT Strands puzzle for Aug. 17, 2026.
Need help with today's Strands answers? We've got you.
Today’s Strands puzzle is a fun one, and once you learn the theme, you might see the words start jumping out at you. If you need hints and answers, read on.
Today’s Strands theme is: On a bender.
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Anatomy.
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:
These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight, but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:
Today’s Strands spangram is BODYJOINTS. To find it, start with the B that is the first letter on the top row, and wind down.
Here are some of the Strands topics I’ve found to be the toughest.
#1: Dated slang. Maybe you didn’t even use this lingo when it was cool. Toughest word: PHAT.
#2: Thar she blows! I guess marine biologists might ace this one. Toughest word: BALEEN or RIGHT.
#3: Off the hook. Again, it helps to know a lot about sea creatures. Sorry, Charlie. Toughest word: BIGEYE or SKIPJACK.