> At a Glance
> – Today’s Strands theme is Slapped together
> – Spangram: QUICKANDDIRTY
> – Six theme answers total
> – Why it matters: Puzzle fans can finish faster with these verified answers
Today’s New York Times Strands puzzle leans on speed and messiness, challenging solvers to think of words tied to hasty, less-than-pristine results.
Theme & Clue
The official prompt, Slapped together, nudges players toward answers associated with doing things fast and without polish. A secondary clue, When you don’t take your time, reinforces that focus on speed over perfection.
Need a boost? Find any three four-letter-plus words to unlock an in-game hint. Valid starter words from today’s grid include:
- SKIT
- SWIPE
- DIPS
- GRAND
- SPEED
All Answers for Jan 5, 2026
Regular theme words:
- BRISK
- SWIFT
- SPEEDY
- FILTHY
- GRUBBY
- STAINED
Spangram path: QUICKANDDIRTY spans the board, starting with the Q three rows down on the far right and snaking backward and downward until every letter is used.
Previous Brain-Benders
Recent tough Strands topics still haunting players:
| Date | Theme | Killer word |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | Dated slang | PHAT |
| Jan 15 | Thar she blows! | BALEEN |
| Jan 9 | Off the hook | BIGEYE |
Key Takeaways
- Theme answers all tie to speed or untidy conditions
- Spangram QUICKANDDIRTY sums up the concept
- Three four-letter words unlock helpful hints
- Every letter on the grid gets used once completed
Bookmark the daily hints page for tomorrow’s puzzle, and happy solving!
