NYT Strands puzzle #54, dated Friday, April 26, 2024, uses the theme clue “Staff members.” Read “staff” musically, not as a group of employees. Start with the hints below if you want to solve it yourself; the complete answer key follows a clearly marked spoiler break.
What is the theme of NYT Strands #54?
The theme is “Staff members.” The answers are musical terms connected with the notation found on a music staff. If the wording first suggests coworkers, look for the musical meaning instead.
What are some good clue words today?
Try finding these non-theme words in the grid to unlock in-game hints: SPEAR, SIGN, FLOAT, FITTER, CLEAN, and SHUT. In Strands, tracing qualifying words that are not theme answers can reveal hints; Try Hard Guides describes earning a hint after finding three words of four or more letters.
What is a hint for today’s spangram?
The spangram clue is “Sheet music.” It names the broader idea connecting the musical staff terms.
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Where does today’s spangram start and end?
The reported route starts at the bottom of the grid in column 3 and ends at the top in column 5. The spangram reaches opposite sides of the board and describes the puzzle’s theme.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoilers: April 26, 2024 Strands answers
Stop here if you still want to solve the puzzle without seeing the answers.
Spangram
NOTATION
Theme words
- SHARP
- NATURAL
- CLEF
- FLAT
- SIGNATURE
- REST
- MEASURE
The answers resolve the clue’s double meaning: these are musical notation terms, not people who work on a staff. TechRadar’s Marc McLaren described being misled by the wording and wrote, “I am not musical,” in recounting his solve. TechRadar and Try Hard Guides agree on the answer list.
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