NYT Strands is the New York Times’ daily word-search-style puzzle with a twist. Each day presents a theme, a grid packed with related words, and one spangram that connects everything together. On January 7, 2026, the theme “Open wide” guided players toward a set of familiar, everyday items, all unified by a central idea that slowly revealed itself as the grid cleared.

07 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Open wide”

The theme “Open wide” leaned into a very specific setting most people recognize instantly. The puzzle felt approachable, with common words rather than obscure vocabulary, but the spangram added a satisfying “aha” moment once the context became clear.

07 January 2026 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think about a place where you’re often asked to “open wide.”
  • Look for everyday objects rather than abstract concepts.
  • Several answers are tools or items used for routine care.
  • Expect words tied to hygiene and checkups.
  • The spangram ties everything to a single, familiar location.

07 January 2026 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Floss
  • Drill
  • Mirror
  • Toothbrush
  • Fluoride

Spangram

Dentist’s Office
This spangram neatly captures the shared setting behind every answer, pointing to a place associated with dental care, cleanings, checkups, and a chair most players immediately recognized.

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 words

The 07 January 2026 Strands puzzle felt comfortably moderate, with a relatable theme and smart word choices. Once the spangram clicked, everything else fell into place nicely. How many answers did you spot before needing hints?

Come back tomorrow for a fresh grid and theme — and tell us in the comments which word stumped you the most today!