Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For Saturday, August 31, 2024, NYT Strands game #181 has the theme clue “Makeshift music.” If you want help without spoiling the board, start with the hints below; the full answer list is farther down.
Hints for Strands #181
Theme clue
Makeshift music
Words to try for an in-game hint
Try finding POOL, SPOOL, MOON, PINE, SOON, and WAVE. TechRadar reports these as clue words that can help unlock Strands’ in-game hint system.
Spangram hint
The spangram points to “Unusual instrumentalists.” Its first letter touches the left edge on row four, and its last letter touches the right edge on row three.
How the game works
Strands is a themed word-search puzzle. Forbes describes a six-by-eight letter grid in which theme words are connected by a clue, while the spangram names that connection and spans opposite sides of the board. Try Hard Guides describes letters as usable in any direction, without reusing or crossing them; it also says that finding three non-theme words of at least four letters earns a hint highlighting a theme word. These are descriptions from the cited guides, not a separate official rulebook.
Spoiler warning: full answer list
The following reveals every theme word and the spangram.
Quick Recap
- BONES
- BROOM
- COWBELL
- SPOONS
- STOVEPIPE
- WASHBOARD
Spangram: JUGBAND
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources
- TechRadar’s August 31, 2024 guide reports the date, game number, clue words, spangram hint and position, and answers.
- Try Hard Guides’ Strands answers guide reports the #181 answer set and game mechanics.
- Forbes’ August 31 guide describes the grid and spangram.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
