Today's NYT Strands is live for Sunday, July 12, 2026 (Puzzle #861). 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: "In the Big Apple"
What It Really Means
Every theme word on this board is something you would encounter in New York City. From iconic foods to street-level landmarks, these words capture the everyday texture of life across the five boroughs.
Think About...
- Classic NYC food and drink staples
- Transportation and street furniture unique to the city
- Neighborhood fixtures and architectural features
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Vertical (bottom to top)
Letter Count: 11 letters
Starting Zone: Third letter of the last row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): Think of the nickname for the state that contains New York City.
Hint 2 (Warmer): It's a two-word phrase often used to describe New York State's identity and pride, referencing its historical status.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is E, last letter is E
---
---
---
---
---
EMPIRESTATE
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A breakfast staple synonymous with New York City.
Closer: Round bread with a hole, often boiled then baked, served with cream cheese and lox.
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 5 letters total
Answer
BAGEL
Word 2
Vague: A place where New Yorkers grab lunch or a sandwich.
Closer: A small neighborhood shop selling cold cuts, pickles, and sandwiches piled high.
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 4 letters total
Answer
DELI
Word 3
Vague: An architectural feature of classic NYC brownstones.
Closer: The short set of steps leading up to the front door of a row house, often used as a gathering spot.
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 5 letters total
Answer
STOOP
Word 4
Vague: A ubiquitous yellow vehicle on NYC streets.
Closer: A medallion-operated vehicle you hail by raising your arm on a curb.
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 4 letters total
Answer
TAXI
Word 5
Vague: A corner store found on nearly every block.
Closer: A small convenience shop selling everything from snacks to household goods, often open late.
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 6 letters total
Answer
BODEGA
Word 6
Vague: The fastest way to get around under the city.
Closer: A rapid transit system with trains that crisscross Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 6 letters total
Answer
SUBWAY
Word 7
Vague: An administrative division of New York City.
Closer: One of the five major regions that make up the city, each with its own distinct character.
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 7 letters total
Answer
BOROUGH
Full Answers
Spangram: EMPIRESTATE
Theme Words:
- BAGEL
- DELI
- STOOP
- TAXI
- BODEGA
- SUBWAY
- BOROUGH
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Trickiest Word: STOOP (Not an everyday word outside NYC brownstone neighborhoods, and it's short enough to blend into the grid easily.)
Our Take: A straightforward love letter to New York City. The theme is broad enough that most players will spot connections quickly, and the spangram EMPIRESTATE is a satisfying capstone that ties the whole cityscape together. Perfect Sunday morning warm-up puzzle.
