Yesterday'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 INCHURCH is the backbone of the grid; solve shorter theme words first, then use the long phrase to close the board.
The spangram INCHURCH names the setting. ALTAR, BIBLE, CANDLES, HYMNAL, LECTERN, PEWS, and PULPIT are furnishings, texts, and objects associated with that sacred space.
Recent Strands answers
Stuck on a streak day? Past solves keep you moving.
Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.
| Date | Puzzle | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Aug 14, 2026 | Strands #894 | INVENTIONS — MICROWAVE, PENICILLIN, PLASTIC, SLINKY, VELCRO |
| Thu, Aug 13, 2026 | Strands #893 | FIREBRAND — FERVENT, FIERCE, HEATED, INTENSE, TORRID, ZEALOUS |
| Wed, Aug 12, 2026 | Strands #892 | PHILANTHROPY — BESTOW, CONTRIBUTE, DONATE, ENDOW, GIVE, GRANT |
More from the desk
A practical board approach
Short entries such as PEWS and ALTAR make useful anchors. Once the INCHURCH spangram fixes the setting, longer shapes such as CANDLES, LECTERN, and HYMNAL become easier to trace.
FAQ
What was yesterday's NYT Strands spangram for August 15, 2026?
The spangram was INCHURCH.
What were yesterday's Strands theme words?
The theme words were ALTAR, BIBLE, CANDLES, HYMNAL, LECTERN, PEWS, and PULPIT.
What number was the August 15 Strands puzzle?
The August 15, 2026 puzzle was Strands #895.
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