Need help with the NYT Strands puzzle for Monday, October 5, 2026? It’s puzzle #946. Start with the spoiler-free nudges below, then reveal the spangram and full answer list when you’re ready.
Hints for Strands #946
The theme is an expression of disappointment or sympathy. Parade phrases it as “Oh well, too bad, such a shame,” while TechRadar gives “Oh well, too bad, what a shame.” Parade’s short nudge is “Womp, womp.”
For a gradual hint, use these first-two-letter prompts in order:
- BU
- UN
- SU
- BO
- SO
- AL
- SA — the spangram
The spangram has 11 letters and runs mostly vertically. TechRadar describes its route as starting at the bottom of the third column and ending at the top of the fourth. If you want to unlock an in-game hint without seeing the answers here, try the non-theme words BONE, SCUM, HOOD, TREAT, CURB, and TURN; these are clue words, not puzzle answers. Parade’s guide and TechRadar’s guide provide these nudges.
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Full answers and spangram
Spoilers below: The theme words are:
- BUMMER
- UNFORTUNATE
- SUCKS
- BOOHOO
- SORRY
- ALAS
Spangram: SADTROMBONE
How Strands hints work
In Strands, find theme words to fill the board. You can make words by dragging or tapping letters, and theme words do not overlap. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board; it may consist of two words. Finding three non-theme words earns a hint. A hint reveals the letters in a theme word, and if a hint is already active, it can show their order. These rules are attributed to the New York Times in Parade’s guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which puzzle date is “today”?
TechRadar says a new Strands puzzle appears at midnight in each time zone, so “today’s” puzzle can vary depending on where you are. This guide covers the October 5, 2026 puzzle, #946. Play Strands at NYT Games.
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