Here are hints and the answers for today's NYT Strands puzzle for Aug. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s Strands puzzle is pretty tricky. It splits up four two-word phrases, and you need to find each of those eight words separately. If you need hints and answers, read on.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s Strands theme is:\u00a0Split superlatives.<\/p>\n
If that doesn\u2019t help you, here\u2019s a clue: Broken-up phrases of praise.<\/p>\n
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle\u2019s theme. If you\u2019re 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:<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s Strands spangram is YOURETHE. To find it, start with the Y that\u2019s three letters down on the far-left row, and wind across.<\/p>\n