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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The NYT Strands theme for Thursday, January 15, 2026, is “The ears have it!” Its spangram is HEARHEAR. If you want to solve the puzzle first, start with the hint below; the full word list follows the spoiler warning.
What is the Strands hint for January 15?
The theme clue is “Can you hear me now?” Think about parts of the ear and the bones associated with hearing.
What is today’s Strands spangram?
The spangram is HEARHEAR. It has eight letters and runs mostly vertically across the grid, touching two opposite sides of the board.
Spoiler: January 15 Strands answers
The complete answer list is below.
- ANVIL
- CANAL
- CARTILAGE
- DRUM
- HAMMER
- LOBE
- STIRRUP
- HEARHEAR (spangram)
How Strands works
Strands is a letter-grid word puzzle. As the New York Times instructions reproduced by Parade put it, “Find theme words to fill the board.” Drag or tap letters to form words. Theme words relate to the daily topic, and the spangram describes that topic while connecting two opposite sides of the grid. Finding three non-theme words earns a hint that reveals letters from a theme word.
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This puzzle uses a 6-by-8 grid of 48 letters; the seven theme words and the spangram together use every letter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to identify this puzzle
Use the date and theme rather than a puzzle number: published answer pages disagree, with one calling the puzzle #683 and another labeling it #376. The January 15 date, “The ears have it!” theme, and answers above are consistent identifiers.
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