The July 12, 2026 edition of NYT Strands offers an engaging challenge, particularly for enthusiasts of a major metropolitan area. The following provides useful hints and solutions.
Below, a detailed explanation of the Strands rules is provided.
For solutions to today’s Wordle, Connections, and Mini Crossword, see CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Hint for today’s Strands puzzle
Today’s Strands theme is: In the Big Apple.
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Start spreading the news!
Clue words to unlock in‑game hints
The objective is to locate hidden words that match the theme. When three or more words of at least four letters are identified, a theme word is revealed. Below are example words that satisfy this condition:
- BELL, TAXES, RUSE, SURE, TOOT, TOOTS, DATE, DADS, STATE, SWAY
Answers for today’s Strands puzzle
These answers correspond to the theme. The puzzle’s goal is to discover all of them, including the spangram—a theme word that stretches from one side of the grid to the other. Once all words are found (the total may vary), every letter on the board is used. The non‑spangram answers are:
- TAXI, DELI, BAGEL, STOOP, BODEGA, SUBWAY, BOROUGH
Today’s Strands spangram
The completed NYT Strands puzzle for July 12, 2026.
Today’s Strands spangram is EMPIRESTATE. To find it, start with the E that’s three letters to the right on the bottom row, and wind up.