Today's NYT Strands is live for Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (Puzzle #906). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.
How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)
Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.
The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.
Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.
Theme Decoder
Today's Theme Prompt: "All in a day's work"
What It Really Means
The hunt is for words that label pieces of work or responsibilities someone is expected to complete.
Think About...
- Something handed down by a manager or teacher.
- Routine household upkeep and practical trips around town.
- Obligations and planned work, from one defined item to a larger undertaking.
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Top to bottom down the board
Letter Count: 12 letters
Starting Zone: Row 1, letter 1
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): Think of a familiar phrase for something that comes with the role, whether welcome or not.
Hint 2 (Warmer): It is what you say when an unavoidable responsibility is built into the position.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is P, last letter is B
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PARTOFTHEJOB
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Something officially handed to you to complete.
Closer: A teacher, editor, or manager can hand you one, often with a brief and a deadline.
Letter Clue: Starts with A, 10 letters total
Answer
ASSIGNMENT
Word 2
Vague: A routine bit of upkeep that is rarely glamorous.
Closer: Washing dishes, folding laundry, and taking out the trash all fit this label.
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 5 letters total
Answer
CHORE
Word 3
Vague: An obligation tied to a role, promise, or position.
Closer: This is a responsibility you are bound or expected to fulfill, including civic and professional obligations.
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 4 letters total
Answer
DUTY
Word 4
Vague: A short outing made to handle a practical need.
Closer: A trip to the pharmacy, bank, or post office is a classic example.
Letter Clue: Starts with E, 6 letters total
Answer
ERRAND
Word 5
Vague: A planned undertaking with a goal and several steps.
Closer: A science-fair build, renovation, or software launch can carry this label.
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 7 letters total
Answer
PROJECT
Word 6
Vague: One clearly defined item awaiting completion.
Closer: This is the kind of single action item you check off a to-do list.
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 4 letters total
Answer
TASK
Full Answers
Spangram: PARTOFTHEJOB
Theme Words:
- ASSIGNMENT
- CHORE
- DUTY
- ERRAND
- PROJECT
- TASK
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Medium, because the six answers range from quick everyday obligations to broader planned undertakings.
Trickiest Word: ASSIGNMENT is the likeliest sticking point because its strong classroom association can pull attention away from the broader workplace meaning.
Our Take: The prompt neatly gathers ASSIGNMENT, CHORE, DUTY, ERRAND, PROJECT, and TASK under one everyday idea without making them feel identical. PART OF THE JOB gives the set a natural conversational payoff, while the mix of home, school, and workplace language keeps the search lively.
