Today's NYT Strands is live for Friday, September 18, 2026 (Puzzle #929). 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: "Shake on it"
What It Really Means
The grid is looking for nouns that describe binding understandings between people, groups, or nations.
Think About...
- A handshake that seals agreed terms.
- Signed paperwork carrying duties for both sides.
- Diplomacy that formally ends conflict or establishes cooperation.
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Top to bottom down the board
Letter Count: 13 letters
Starting Zone: Row 1, letter 2
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): The central phrase is a familiar invitation to settle the terms and seal an understanding.
Hint 2 (Warmer): Picture a prize-filled game-show host inviting a contestant to accept an offer.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is L, last letter is L
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LETSMAKEADEAL
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A shared understanding reached by two or more sides.
Closer: This is what two sides reach after settling on the same terms.
Letter Clue: Starts with A, 9 letters total
Answer
AGREEMENT
Word 2
Vague: A binding arrangement that sets out duties and conditions.
Closer: This signed document spells out enforceable obligations between parties.
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 8 letters total
Answer
CONTRACT
Word 3
Vague: A solemn promise with formal weight.
Closer: This solemn binding promise often appears in religious, legal, or property language.
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 8 letters total
Answer
COVENANT
Word 4
Vague: A compact promise between parties pursuing the same goal.
Closer: This brief term describes a formal promise between allies or cooperating groups.
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 4 letters total
Answer
PACT
Word 5
Vague: A formal settlement between governments or nations.
Closer: This is the document nations sign to establish peace, borders, or cooperation.
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 6 letters total
Answer
TREATY
Full Answers
Spangram: LETSMAKEADEAL
Theme Words:
- AGREEMENT
- CONTRACT
- COVENANT
- PACT
- TREATY
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Medium, the category is clear once one formal term emerges, but the vocabulary spans everyday, legal, religious, and diplomatic settings.
Trickiest Word: COVENANT is the likeliest stumbling block because it is less conversational than AGREEMENT or CONTRACT and carries strong religious and legal associations.
Our Take: LETSMAKEADEAL turns the prompt into a lively invitation, while AGREEMENT, CONTRACT, COVENANT, PACT, and TREATY supply increasingly formal versions of the same basic idea. The list works well because it moves cleanly from everyday arrangements to solemn promises and international diplomacy.
