Today's NYT Strands is live for Sunday, January 25, 2026 (Puzzle #693). 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: "The straight and narrow"
What It Really Means
This theme points to long, slender objects - specifically, various types of rods, sticks, and poles. Think of items that are straight, narrow, and often cylindrical in shape.
Think About...
- Construction materials and wooden rods
- Items used for support, measurement, or guidance
- Tools, sports equipment, and fencing materials
Spangram Clues
Orientation: From bottom to top then to the right and down
Letter Count: 14 letters
Starting Zone: First letter of last row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): This phrase describes a difficult or awkward circumstance involving something adhesive or problematic.
Hint 2 (Warmer): It's a common idiom for a problematic scenario where someone faces consequences or complications.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is S, last letter is N
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STICKYSITUATION
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A slender wooden rod used in woodworking
Closer: Often used for reinforcement or alignment in furniture construction
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 5 letters total
Answer
DOWEL
Word 2
Vague: A long, slender piece of wood or metal
Closer: Used for support, as a flag holder, or in sports like pole vaulting
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 4 letters total
Answer
POLE
Word 3
Vague: A thin stick used for conducting or as a relay object
Closer: Carried by orchestra conductors, relay racers, or police officers
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 5 letters total
Answer
BATON
Word 4
Vague: A pointed stake or post
Closer: Used in fences, protests, or as a survey marker
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 6 letters total
Answer
PICKET
Word 5
Vague: A pointed piece of wood or metal driven into the ground
Closer: Used for marking boundaries, supporting plants, or in gambling
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 5 letters total
Answer
STAKE
Word 6
Vague: A walking aid or slender plant stem
Closer: Used for support while walking or as a sugar source
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 4 letters total
Answer
CANE
Word 7
Vague: An upright support or marker
Closer: Used for fences, mail delivery, or as a reference point
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 4 letters total
Answer
POST
Full Answers
Spangram: STICKYSITUATION
Theme Words:
- DOWEL
- POLE
- BATON
- PICKET
- STAKE
- CANE
- POST
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: PICKET (Could be confused with other fence-related terms or protest contexts)
Our Take: A clever thematic connection between "The straight and narrow" and various rod-like objects. The spangram "STICKYSITUATION" adds a playful twist to the straightforward theme. Solid puzzle with clear word associations once you grasp the category.
