Today's hints
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The answer
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Why this answer
The letters, categories, or grid logic that made this one tricky.
What made this one tricky:
- The spangram SUN AND SHADE is the backbone of the grid; solve shorter theme words first, then use the long phrase to close the board.
ARBOR, BOWER, CANOPY, GAZEBO, PAVILION and PERGOLA all describe outdoor overhead cover, ranging from leafy shelter to built garden structures. SUN AND SHADE is the spangram, capturing the contrast these spaces manage.
Recent Strands answers
Stuck on a streak day? Past solves keep you moving.
Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.
| Date | Puzzle | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 8, 2026 | Strands #919 | Theme words: CUBBY, DESK, EASEL, GLOBE, MARKERS, WHITEBOARD. Spangram: BACK TO SCHOOL. |
| Mon, Sep 7, 2026 | Strands #918 | Theme words: AGREE, COMPROMISE, NEGOTIATE, SETTLE, SHARE. Spangram: MEETMEHALFWAY. |
| Sun, Sep 6, 2026 | Strands #917 | ADEQUATE, ALRIGHT, AVERAGE, MEDIOCRE, OKAY; spangram NOTHINGSPECIAL. |
| Sat, Sep 5, 2026 | Strands #916 | BUDGIE, CHIMP, CROC, GATOR, HIPPO, PEKE, RATTLER, RHINO; spangram CRITTER. |
| Fri, Sep 4, 2026 | Strands #915 | BRAVE, COURAGEOUS, FEARLESS, INTREPID, LIONHEARTED; spangram HEROES. |
| Thu, Sep 3, 2026 | Strands #914 | DOWN, KICK, PASS, PLAY, RUSH, STADIUM, TACKLE, UPRIGHT; spangram FOOTBALL. |
| Wed, Sep 2, 2026 | Strands #913 | ARISE, EMERGE, MANIFEST, MATERIALIZE, SURFACE; spangram COMETOLIGHT. |
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | Strands #912 | DETECTIVE, DOCTOR, OFFICER, PROFESSOR, RABBI; spangram WORKINGTITLE. |
| Mon, Aug 31, 2026 | Strands #911 | BLEACH, CLEANSER, DETERGENT, SCRUB, SOAP, SOLVENT; spangram POWERWASH. |
| Sun, Aug 30, 2026 | Strands #910 | AVERSE, HESITANT, LOATH, RELUCTANT, UNWILLING; spangram IDRATHERNOT. |
| Sat, Aug 29, 2026 | Strands #909 | BUBBLE, CRACKLE, GURGLE, HISS, SIZZLE, SPLATTER; spangram SOUNDSTASTY. |
| Fri, Aug 28, 2026 | Strands #908 | BROTHERHOOD, FREEDOM, HOPE, JUSTICE, TOGETHER; spangram IHAVEADREAM. |
| Thu, Aug 27, 2026 | Strands #907 | DANCE, DISTORTION, HAIRSTYLE, SPRAIN, SURPRISE; spangram WHATATWIST. |
| Wed, Aug 26, 2026 | Strands #906 | ASSIGNMENT, CHORE, DUTY, ERRAND, PROJECT, TASK; spangram PARTOFTHEJOB. |
More from the desk
Start with the distinctive long structures. PAVILION and PERGOLA establish the architectural side of the theme, while CANOPY bridges built and natural cover. That leaves the shorter garden terms and opens a route for the spangram.
FAQ
What is today’s NYT Strands answer for September 9, 2026?
The theme words are ARBOR, BOWER, CANOPY, GAZEBO, PAVILION and PERGOLA; the spangram is SUN AND SHADE.
How difficult is NYT Strands #920?
It is medium difficulty. The theme is coherent, but ARBOR and BOWER are close in meaning and can be easy to overlook.
What is the theme of Strands #920?
The grid centers on outdoor structures and natural coverings that provide overhead shelter or shade.
When does the next NYT Strands puzzle release?
Strands #921 releases at midnight ET on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
How do you play NYT Strands?
Find all theme words in the letter grid by linking adjacent letters. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides.
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