Today's NYT Strands is live for Thursday, July 9, 2026 (Puzzle #858). 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: "On the lips"
What It Really Means
Every theme word is a type of lip product. From glossy finishes to stain formulas, these are all makeup and skincare items designed specifically for your lips.
Think About...
- Lip makeup products you'd find in a cosmetics bag
- Different textures and finishes for lips
- Products that add color, shine, or volume
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Horizontal (wraps across the board)
Letter Count: 13 letters
Starting Zone: Begins near the middle of the board (fifth row)
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): Think about what happens after a couple has a fight and decides to reconcile.
Hint 2 (Warmer): This phrase combines a romantic gesture with the act of fixing things between two people.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is K, last letter is P
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KISSANDMAKEUP
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A long, narrow applicator-based lip product.
Closer: Think of a crayon-like tube that twists up for precise lip application.
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 5 letters total
Answer
STICK
Word 2
Vague: A product used to trace the edges of your lips.
Closer: This pencil-like tool defines the lip border before applying other products.
Letter Clue: Starts with L, 5 letters total
Answer
LINER
Word 3
Vague: A liquid lip product that leaves lasting color.
Closer: Unlike gloss, this sinks into the lips and stays put for hours.
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 5 letters total
Answer
STAIN
Word 4
Vague: A high-shine lip product that often feels sticky.
Closer: This comes in a tube with a wand applicator and gives a wet, reflective look.
Letter Clue: Starts with G, 5 letters total
Answer
GLOSS
Word 5
Vague: A moisturizing product that soothes dry lips.
Closer: Think of a small pot or stick designed to hydrate and protect chapped lips.
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 4 letters total
Answer
BALM
Word 6
Vague: A sheer, subtle wash of color for the lips.
Closer: This product adds a hint of pigment without full coverage or heavy texture.
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 4 letters total
Answer
TINT
Word 7
Vague: A product that temporarily makes lips look fuller.
Closer: It usually tingles or stings on application and creates a plumping effect through ingredients that increase blood flow.
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 7 letters total
Answer
PLUMPER
Full Answers
Spangram: KISSANDMAKEUP
Theme Words:
- STICK
- LINER
- STAIN
- GLOSS
- BALM
- TINT
- PLUMPER
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: PLUMPER (Seven letters make it the longest theme word, and it's less commonly grouped with core lip products like gloss or balm, so it may take extra scanning to spot in the grid.)
Our Take: A cleverly cohesive cosmetics theme that stays tight across all seven words. The spangram "KISSANDMAKEUP" is a playful double act -- literally on your lips and figuratively about reconciliation. PLUMPER sneaks in as the outlier that might trip you up, but once you lock the category, the rest fall fast.
