NYT Strands is the daily word-search-style puzzle from the New York Times that challenges you to uncover theme-linked words hidden across a letter grid. On 09 January 2026, the theme “For Cubs Fans” focused on how we express personal views, with several related words and a spangram that neatly tied the whole idea together.

09 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “For cubs fans”

This theme was a playful nod to bear enthusiasts, focusing on different well-known types rather than abstract ideas. The puzzle felt approachable, with familiar vocabulary and a spangram that clearly tied the entire grid together once spotted.

09 January 2026 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of large mammals often found in zoos, wildlife documentaries, or cold regions
  • Look for words that describe different species rather than behaviors
  • Some answers are tied to geography or climate
  • Don’t overlook color-based names
  • Spangram ties all the bear varieties together in one clear phrase

09 January 2026 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Grizzly (a powerful North American bear)
  • White (a color-based bear reference)
  • Brown (one of the most widespread bear types)
  • Spectacled (a distinctive South American bear)
  • Polar (the iconic Arctic bear)

Spangram

Bears in Mind
This spangram neatly connects every answer, reinforcing that the puzzle revolves around different types of bears and keeping the theme front and center once discovered.

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 09 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!