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.
23 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “None the wiser”
Today’s theme revolved around people who don’t quite know better yet. The puzzle leaned into descriptive vocabulary, with words that feel slightly old-fashioned or literary. None were especially long, but their similar meanings made it tricky to spot where one idea ended and another began.
23 January 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about words used to describe inexperience or being easily fooled.
- Several answers are adjectives rather than nouns.
- Look for softer, less insulting terms — nothing too harsh.
- Expect vocabulary you might see in classic literature.
- Spangram ties the list together with a phrase about inexperience.
23 January 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Gullible
- Naive
- Callow
- Artless
- Credulous
Spangram
Born Yesterday
This phrase perfectly captures the theme, suggesting someone inexperienced or easily deceived, and neatly connects all the related adjectives hidden throughout 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 23 January 2026 Strands puzzle felt moderate in difficulty, thanks to closely related vocabulary. The theme was clever without being frustrating, making it a satisfying solve once everything clicked. How many did you find without hints?
