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.

26 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “Fall-ing”

Today’s Strands was a warm, golden love letter to the season of sweaters, cider, and crunchy leaves. With the theme “Fall-ing”, the puzzle celebrated everything that makes autumn magical — from harvests to football fields and pumpkin patches.

26 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think seasonal — the cozy months are calling.
  • Orange, gold, and red — the color palette gives it away.
  • It’s harvest time! Look for words tied to abundance.
  • American traditions are hiding in plain sight.
  • Spangram Hint: A single word that sums up the entire season.

26 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • CORN – A staple of every autumn harvest and field maze.
  • FOOTBALL – Fall weekends’ favorite pastime.
  • PUMPKINS – The season’s bright orange mascots.
  • HARVEST – The heart of the season — gathering and gratitude.
  • FOLIAGE – The breathtaking transformation of leaves.
  • ORCHARDS – Where apple picking and cider dreams come true.

Spangram

AUTUMN — the single word that ties together the entire season of change, color, and comfort.

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

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

October 26’s Strands captured the essence of autumn — vibrant, nostalgic, and perfectly balanced between endings and beginnings. Every word felt like a leaf drifting softly into place.

“Fall-ing” felt like a gentle pause — a celebration of slowing down, gathering warmth, and finding beauty in change. It’s the kind of Strands that makes you want to wrap up in a blanket with hot cocoa.