Today's NYT Strands is live for Friday, March 6, 2026 (Puzzle #733). 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: "That's dedication"
What It Really Means
This theme is about extreme fandom and unwavering support, people who show intense loyalty to someone or something they admire.
Think About...
- Types of superfans or dedicated supporters
- Words describing passionate admirers
- Modern and traditional terms for devoted followers
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Down then towards the upper right then across and down
Letter Count: 14 letters
Starting Zone: First letter of the third row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): This phrase describes someone who shows extreme loyalty and support
Hint 2 (Warmer): Think about the ultimate supporter who never misses a show or game
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is Y, last letter is N
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YOURBIGGESTFAN
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Someone with deep affection and passion
Closer: A person who feels strong romantic or emotional attachment
Letter Clue: Starts with L, 5 letters total
Answer
LOVER
Word 2
Vague: Modern term for an obsessive fan
Closer: Derived from an Eminem song about an obsessed fan
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 4 letters total
Answer
STAN
Word 3
Vague: A person completely dedicated to a cause or person
Closer: Someone who shows unwavering commitment and loyalty
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 7 letters total
Answer
DEVOTEE
Word 4
Vague: Someone who tracks and supports another's activities
Closer: A person who subscribes to or supports someone's work
Letter Clue: Starts with F, 8 letters total
Answer
FOLLOWER
Word 5
Vague: A person with intense interest and excitement
Closer: Someone who shows great passion and eagerness for a subject
Letter Clue: Starts with E, 10 letters total
Answer
ENTHUSIAST
Full Answers
Spangram: YOURBIGGESTFAN
Theme Words:
- LOVER
- STAN
- DEVOTEE
- FOLLOWER
- ENTHUSIAST
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: STAN (Modern slang that might not be immediately obvious to all solvers)
Our Take: A clever theme that blends traditional and modern terms for fandom. The spangram "YOURBIGGESTFAN" perfectly captures the dedication theme, while the mix of words from "LOVER" to "STAN" shows the evolution of fan culture. The puzzle strikes a good balance between accessible vocabulary and contemporary references.
