Today's NYT Strands is live for Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (Puzzle #828). 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: "Dramamine, anyone?"
What It Really Means
Dramamine is the go-to medication for motion sickness. If someone's offering it, you're likely on a boat or ship dealing with choppy conditions. Every theme word connects to the experience of being out on the water.
Think About...
- Things you'd bring or do on a boat trip
- What happens when the water gets rough
- Parts of a vessel and activities onboard
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Horizontal (zig zag from left to right)
Letter Count: 9 letters
Starting Zone: First letter of the fifth row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): This spangram is a short phrase declaring your current location.
Hint 2 (Warmer): You're not on dry land. Think about where you'd need that Dramamine.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is I, last letter is T
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IMONABOAT
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: What you munch on during a day out on the water.
Closer: Bags of chips, pretzels, or popcorn fit this category.
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 6 letters total
Answer
SNACKS
Word 2
Vague: Something you might do on deck when the music hits.
Closer: Moving your body to the rhythm, often at parties or celebrations.
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 7 letters total
Answer
DANCING
Word 3
Vague: The reason the boat is rocking.
Closer: Swells of water that roll beneath the vessel.
Letter Clue: Starts with W, 5 letters total
Answer
WAVES
Word 4
Vague: What gets passed around to stay hydrated (or celebrate).
Closer: Beverages you'd sip while cruising, from soda to cocktails.
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 6 letters total
Answer
DRINKS
Word 5
Vague: The exact reason Dramamine is being offered.
Closer: Nausea and dizziness caused by the motion of the boat.
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 11 letters total
Answer
SEASICKNESS
Word 6
Vague: The part of the boat where most of the action happens.
Closer: The flat exterior surface where passengers walk, lounge, and hang out.
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 4 letters total
Answer
DECK
Full Answers
Spangram: IMONABOAT
Theme Words:
- SNACKS
- DANCING
- WAVES
- DRINKS
- SEASICKNESS
- DECK
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: SEASICKNESS (At 11 letters, it's the longest word on the board and may be harder to spot if you're focused on shorter, more obvious terms.)
Our Take: A solid Tuesday puzzle with a cohesive nautical theme. The spangram "IMONABOAT" is a clever, casual declaration that ties everything together. Once you catch the boat vibe, the remaining words fall into place quickly.
