At a Glance
- The NYT Strands puzzle for January 24, 2026 features six hidden answers tied to a theme.
- A single spangram, FAMOUSPAINTING, stretches across the grid, linking every letter.
- Solvers unlock theme clues by finding any four-letter word, revealing the hidden theme words.
The NYT Strands puzzle is a word-search style challenge that blends hidden words with a larger theme. This month’s version centers on art and museum walls, offering a fresh set of clues and a single spangram that ties the entire board together. Understanding how the puzzle works is key to finding all six answers and the overarching spangram.
The Strands Puzzle Basics
The Strands puzzle is a grid of letters where hidden words are arranged in pairs. Solvers must locate six answers that each match one of the other answers. The puzzle’s design ensures that every letter is used once the hidden words are found. The rules are simple:
- Scan the grid for any word that fits the theme.
- Each time you discover three words of four letters or more, the puzzle will reveal one of the theme words.
- Continue until all six answers are uncovered.
When all hidden words are found, the puzzle is complete, and the spangram-a single word that runs from one side of the board to the other-becomes visible.
Unlocking the Theme
The theme for today’s puzzle is “A work of art.” A helpful hint is provided: On museum walls. This clue points solvers toward words associated with art displays, galleries, and museum features. The theme words themselves are revealed gradually as you solve the puzzle, giving you a sense of progress and a roadmap for the remaining hidden words.
Key Theme Words
- STARRY
- NIGHT
- WATER
- LILIES
- BOATING
- PARTY
These six answers tie directly into the art theme, each pairing with another to form a complete set. Once all are found, the puzzle’s grid is fully used, and the spangram emerges.
Clue Words and Hidden Answers
To help solvers unlock the theme, the puzzle provides a list of clue words. These are words that, when found, contribute to the theme revelation. The list includes:
- FINS
- FINE
- FINES
- GARB
- BOAT
- GATES (listed twice for emphasis)
- FIST
- RATE
- RATS
- STAR
- PAINT
- SILL
- SPAT
Every word in this list is at least four letters long. Solvers can use any of these words to trigger the theme reveal; the puzzle is designed so that finding any of them moves you closer to the final spangram.
The Spangram Reveal
The spangram for the January 24, 2026 puzzle is FAMOUSPAINTING. A spangram is a single word that spans from one edge of the grid to the opposite edge, touching every letter in the puzzle. The reveal process is straightforward:
- Locate the F that sits four letters down in the far-left vertical column.
- Follow the path that winds upward, then across, and finally down the grid.
- As you trace the letters, they spell out FAMOUSPAINTING.
Once the spangram is found, all remaining letters are accounted for, and the puzzle is complete. The spangram is the centerpiece that connects all hidden answers, cementing the theme of art.
How to Solve Today’s Puzzle
Below is a step-by-step guide to cracking today’s Strands puzzle:
- Scan for theme clues: Look for words that fit the “A work of art” theme.
- Collect four-letter words: Use the clue list to find any four-letter or longer words.
- Track theme reveals: After every third four-letter word, the puzzle will display a new theme word.
- Match pairs: Pair each discovered word with its counterpart to form the six complete answers.
- Find the spangram: Once all six answers are identified, locate the starting F in the left-most column and trace the path to reveal FAMOUSPAINTING.
Following these steps ensures you uncover every hidden word and the spangram, completing the puzzle with full satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- The NYT Strands puzzle for January 24, 2026 revolves around art and museum walls.
- Solvers must find six paired answers and a single spangram, FAMOUSPAINTING.
- Clue words of four letters or more unlock theme words, guiding you toward the final solution.
- The spangram spans the entire grid, tying every letter together.
By understanding the puzzle’s structure and using the provided clues, solvers can efficiently navigate the grid, uncover all hidden words, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing the Strands challenge.
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For more puzzle hints and answers, visit News Of Los Angeles‘s NYT puzzle hints page. Add News Of Los Angeles as a preferred Google source to stay updated on the latest puzzles.
