Today's NYT Strands is live for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (Puzzle #689). 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 not very polite"
What It Really Means
Today's theme focuses on impolite behaviors or rude actions that breach social etiquette. Look for words describing things people do that are considered bad manners.
Think About...
- Actions that would get you scolded as a child
- Behaviors considered rude in public or social settings
- Things you shouldn't do at the dinner table or in conversation
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Vertical
Letter Count: 10 letters
Starting Zone: Third letter of first row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): This phrase directly addresses the theme by telling someone what not to do.
Hint 2 (Warmer): It's a common parental admonishment or social correction for bad behavior.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is D, last letter is E
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DONTBERUDE
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A bodily function that's impolite to do in public
Closer: Often happens after drinking something carbonated
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 4 letters total
Answer
BURP
Word 2
Vague: Showing excessive pride or satisfaction
Closer: To boast or brag about an achievement
Letter Clue: Starts with G, 5 letters total
Answer
GLOAT
Word 3
Vague: Looking at someone for too long
Closer: Making someone uncomfortable with prolonged eye contact
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 5 letters total
Answer
STARE
Word 4
Vague: Using your finger to direct attention
Closer: Often considered rude when done at people
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 5 letters total
Answer
POINT
Word 5
Vague: Speaking very loudly
Closer: Raising your voice inappropriately
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 5 letters total
Answer
SHOUT
Word 6
Vague: Making fun of someone playfully or meanly
Closer: Provoking or mocking someone
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 5 letters total
Answer
TEASE
Word 7
Vague: Cutting someone off while they're speaking
Closer: Breaking into a conversation before someone finishes
Letter Clue: Starts with I, 9 letters total
Answer
INTERRUPT
Full Answers
Spangram: DONTBERUDE
Theme Words:
- BURP
- GLOAT
- STARE
- POINT
- SHOUT
- TEASE
- INTERRUPT
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: GLOAT (Less commonly associated with rudeness compared to more obvious behaviors)
Our Take: A clever theme that covers a range of social faux pas from obvious physical actions to more subtle conversational missteps. The spangram "DONTBERUDE" perfectly encapsulates the theme while providing a solid anchor point for solving. INTERRUPT being the longest word adds a satisfying challenge to complete the set.
