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.
20 August 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Split superlatives”
Today’s theme plays with familiar superlative expressions by splitting them into individual words. The trick is recognizing common phrases rather than searching only for words that directly describe something as the best or greatest. Several answers become much clearer once the phrase pattern clicks.
20 August 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about familiar expressions that describe something as exceptionally good.
- Look for words that commonly appear together in well-known phrases.
- Some answers may seem ordinary on their own but become obvious when paired with another word.
- Pay attention to words associated with animals, clothing, ranking, and quality.
- The theme is about splitting apart familiar superlative expressions.
- Spangram: the phrase ties the different expressions together and gives the puzzle its overall compliment.
20 August 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Bees
- Knees
- Best
- Cats
- Gold
- Very
- Pajamas
- Standard
Spangram
YOU’RE THE
The spangram captures the puzzle’s central idea: familiar expressions are split into separate words, with the answers combining to form phrases associated with being exceptionally good.
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 August 20 Strands puzzle offered a playful twist on familiar superlative expressions. The split-word approach makes the answers satisfying to uncover once the phrase connections become apparent. The spangram neatly reinforces the puzzle’s complimentary theme. How many did you find?
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