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.
22 June 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Heebie-jeebies”
Today’s Strands puzzle leans into that uneasy, creepy feeling you get when something gives you the shivers. The grid is packed with words that all point to nervousness, goosebumps, and that uncomfortable sense of dread. Once you spot the pattern, the theme becomes pretty clear.
22 June 2026 NYT Strands Hints
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Think about words connected to fear, nerves, or discomfort.
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Several answers describe a physical or emotional reaction to something unsettling.
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Look for common expressions people use when they feel uneasy.
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The theme word ties together a familiar feeling of being creeped out.
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Expect both direct and slang-style answers.
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The spangram captures the overall reaction behind the theme.
22 June 2026 NYT Strands Answers
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WILLIES
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BUTTERFLIES
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SHIVERS
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CREEPS
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JITTERS
Spangram
GOOSEBUMPS
The spangram ties the puzzle together perfectly, since it describes the physical reaction that often goes along with feeling nervous, spooked, or unsettled.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
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You’re given a theme.
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The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
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Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
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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:
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To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
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Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
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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
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Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
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Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
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Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
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Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
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Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.
Final thoughts
The 22 June 2026 Strands puzzle feels playful and familiar thanks to its collection of expressions tied to nervousness and fear. The theme is easy to connect once a couple of words are found, and the spangram makes the whole board click into place. How many words did you spot before using a hint?
