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.
29 January 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Talk of the town”
Today’s theme celebrates people who are widely discussed, admired, and talked about. The puzzle focuses on notability, recognition, and the various ways someone becomes the center of attention in society. The word choices are punchy and relatable, drawing from entertainment, culture, and the modern fascination with fame and prominence. The spangram itself elegantly captures what all these words represent: the defining characteristic that makes someone noteworthy.
29 January 2026 NYT Strands Hints
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Think about people who are widely recognized or the subject of conversation.
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Look for words describing someone with exceptional status or prominence.
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Several answers relate to being well-known, celebrated, or talked about in society.
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These words often appear in entertainment, media, and popular culture contexts.
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The spangram represents the defining achievement or quality that makes someone stand out.
29 January 2026 NYT Strands Answers
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Hero
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Personality
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Celebrity
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Superstar
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Icon
Spangram
ClaimToFame
The spangram ties together the entire concept of the puzzle: the defining achievement, characteristic, or moment that establishes someone’s notability and makes them the talk of the town.
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 29 January 2026 NYT Strands puzzle brings a fun and energetic theme centered on fame and notability. The theme “Talk of the town” is contemporary and relatable, making it enjoyable for anyone interested in pop culture and public figures. The word selection is solid, and the spangram connects all the pieces elegantly. This one leans slightly toward the moderate side—not overly challenging, but requiring some careful scanning to uncover all the answers. How many did you find before the spangram clicked?
