Spoilers ahead for the January 15, 2026, NYT Strands puzzle: game #683 has the theme clue “The ears have it!”, the spangram HEARHEAR, and seven theme words: ANVIL, CANAL, CARTILAGE, DRUM, HAMMER, LOBE, and STIRRUP.
January 15, 2026, Strands answers
The dated answer archive identifies this as game #683. Its theme clue is “The ears have it!” and its spangram is HEARHEAR.
- ANVIL
- CANAL
- CARTILAGE
- DRUM
- HAMMER
- LOBE
- STIRRUP
The phrase “hear, hear” is a play on words that fits the ear-related answers. The list includes familiar names for ear structures, but the puzzle answer sources establish the word list, not anatomical definitions.
Why the year matters
January 15 does not identify a unique Strands puzzle. The January 15, 2025 puzzle was game #318, with the theme “Thar she blows!” and spangram WHALES. Its other answers were BLUE, RIGHT, GRAY, ORCA, BALEEN, and HUMPBACK. Check the year before using an answer list.
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How Strands hints work
According to an independent rules guide, Strands uses a 6×8 letter grid. The spangram describes the theme and touches opposite edges of the grid. Find three valid words that are not theme answers to earn an in-game hint; it highlights letters in an unsolved theme word. These are general game mechanics, not clues unique to this puzzle.
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