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.
18 September 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Shake on it”
Today’s theme revolves around different ways of describing an agreement or commitment between people or groups. The answers range from everyday terms to more formal legal or diplomatic language, creating a straightforward but varied set of related words.
18 September 2026 NYT Strands: Hints
- Think about words connected to making an agreement.
- Look for terms that can describe a promise or commitment between two sides.
- Some answers are common in business or legal situations.
- Expect a few words associated with formal agreements between countries or organizations.
- The theme can also point to a simple deal made between people.
- The spangram ties the entire list together around the idea of reaching an agreement.
18 September 2026 NYT Strands: Answers
- Pact
- Treaty
- Contract
- Covenant
- Agreement
Spangram
LET’S MAKE A DEAL
The spangram captures the central idea of the puzzle: reaching an agreement or settling on shared terms. It neatly connects the different words used for deals, commitments, and formal arrangements.
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 18 September Strands puzzle takes a clear approach to the idea of making a deal, with answers ranging from everyday agreements to more formal arrangements. The spangram neatly reinforces the theme. How many did you find without a hint?
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