Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor NYT Strands game #696 on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the theme is “Zen state.” Start with the spoiler-light hint below; the full word list and spangram follow.
NYT Strands hint for January 28
Mellow out. For a stronger nudge, think of steps that can help you chill out enough to reach a zen state of mind. These are editorial hints, not official NYT quotations.
Letter hints and spangram path
If you need another clue, the six theme words begin with FO, ME, NO, RE, LI, and BR. The spangram begins with MI.
The 11-letter spangram starts at the left edge in row one and ends at the right edge in row six. Its route uses a mix of vertical and horizontal movement.
Full answers for Strands #696
Spangram: MINDFULNESS
Theme words: FOCUS, RELAX, LISTEN, NOTICE, BREATHE, MEDITATE
How Strands hints work
In Strands, theme words fill the board without overlapping. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. Finding three non-theme words earns an in-game hint that reveals letters in a theme word, according to Parade’s guide.
TechRadar lists CLUE, BLUE, FINED, TASTE, SLIDE, and FENDER as examples of non-theme words that can unlock hints. They are optional examples, not required answers.
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