If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re not alone. It’s a fresh word game from the New York Times that combines elements of a word search with clever, theme-based twists.
18 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Soft Skills”
Today’s theme had a playful double meaning. Instead of interpersonal talents, “Soft Skills” pointed to hands-on crafts involving fabric and thread. The puzzle felt approachable, with recognizable words and a spangram that clearly connected all the answers once you spotted it.
18 January 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think of creative activities done with fabric, yarn, or thread.
- Look for words linked to traditional handcrafts and needlework.
- Several answers relate to techniques rather than finished products.
- Expect a mix of short and medium-length words scattered across the grid.
- Spangram ties the list together by naming the broader creative category.
18 January 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Quilt
- Weave
- Knit
- Crochet
- Applique
- Embroider
Spangram
Textile Art
This spangram captures the shared theme behind all the answers, grouping different fabric-based techniques under one creative umbrella and helping solvers connect every word in the grid.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
- You’re given a theme.
- The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
- Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
- Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!
Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.
How to get and use hints
Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:
- To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
- Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
- When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.
Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.
Tips to become a NYT Strands pro
- Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
- Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
- Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
- Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
- Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.
Final thoughts
The January 18, 2026 Strands puzzle played on the easier side, with a warm, crafty theme that felt intuitive once you caught on. The word choices were satisfying, and the spangram pulled everything together nicely. How many did you find before checking the answers?
