NYT Strands Hints & Answers for 22 January 2026: Puzzle #690 Solved
LONDON, 22 January 2026 – The New York Times’s popular word game, Strands, presents another thematic challenge for puzzle enthusiasts today. Strands #690, released on 22 January, invites players to find words connected by the clue “Ode to joy.” For those seeking a nudge or the full solution, here is a detailed breakdown of today’s puzzle, including the spangram and all theme words.
Today’s Strands Solution: 22 January
The official theme for Strands #690 is “Ode to joy.” An unofficial hint provided by solvers is “Couldn’t be better.” The puzzle requires finding several words synonymous with a state of extreme happiness or rapture.
The spangram, which must touch two opposite sides of the 6×8 letter grid, is SEVENTHHEAVEN. The five theme words for today are:
- BLISS
- ECSTASY
- ELATION
- EUPHORIA
- RHAPSODY
Yesterday’s Strands Solution: 21 January
For players catching up or in different time zones, the solution for Strands #689 from 21 January is also available. The theme was “That’s not very polite,” focusing on rude behaviours.
The spangram was DONTBERUDE. The seven theme words were:
- BURP
- GLOAT
- INTERRUPT
- POINT
- SHOUT
- STARE
- TEASE
What is NYT Strands? A Beginner’s Guide
Strands is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times that blends elements of a word search, crossword, and thematic connections. Each day, a new puzzle presents a 6-column by 8-row grid of 48 letters. Players are given a theme clue and must find all words related to that theme by connecting adjacent letters in any direction (up, down, left, right, diagonally). Words do not overlap, and every letter is used exactly once.
The key to the puzzle is the spangram. This special word or phrase encapsulates the overall theme and must physically span the grid, touching two opposite sides. When found, it highlights in yellow, while standard theme words highlight in blue.
Players can earn hints by finding valid words that are not part of the theme. For every three non-theme words discovered, a hint is unlocked, which will highlight the letters of one unsolved theme word.
Key Facts: NYT Strands
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grid Size | 6 x 8 (48 letters) |
| Release Schedule | One new puzzle per day at midnight local time |
| Core Objective | Find all theme words and the spangram |
| Hint System | Earn one hint for every three non-theme words found |
| Where to Play | NYT Games website, Games app, or News app (Play tab) |
| Cost | Free to play on all platforms |
| Statistics Tracked | Solve %, Current Streak, Max Streak, Spangram First, etc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spangram in Strands?
The spangram is the most important word in the puzzle. It describes the overarching theme and must touch two opposite sides of the letter grid (e.g., top-to-bottom or side-to-side). It is highlighted in yellow when found and can be one word or two combined words.
How do I get hints in Strands?
Hints are earned through gameplay. If you find a valid dictionary word that is not one of the theme words, it counts towards a hint. After finding three such non-theme words, you earn one hint. Using the hint will highlight all the letters of one yet-to-be-found theme word on the grid.
Does using a hint break my streak?
No. Your daily solving streak in Strands is based on completing the puzzle, not on how you solve it. Using hints does not affect your current streak or maximum streak statistics.
Can I play old Strands puzzles?
Yes, but access to the puzzle archive is a subscriber-only feature for New York Times Games subscribers. Playing archived puzzles will affect your overall solve statistics but will not impact your daily streak.
What is the best strategy for solving Strands?
Experienced players recommend several tactics: start by looking for words in the corners of the grid where connections are more limited; scan the edges for the spangram; look for common letter combinations and repeated letters; and remember not to take the theme clue too literally—it often involves wordplay.