Play Strands #920
The same letter grid NYT shows. Drag across touching letters, or tap them one by one and tap the last letter again to check. Theme words turn blue and the spangram turns yellow. Hint outlines one word you haven't found. Nothing is saved, so your real game stays untouched.
Strands #920 hints
Today's official theme is "Over and out(side)". If that alone doesn't help, work down the hints below.
Hints used: 0
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What's the theme in plain words?Gentle hint
Look for names of structures you might find in a garden or park that give you a covered, open-air place to sit.
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How many words am I looking for?Gentle hint
There are 6 theme words plus the spangram.
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A nudge toward the spangramHelpful hint
Think of the two things these outdoor structures let you enjoy at once: bright light from above and a cool, covered spot to rest in.
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How do the theme words start?Helpful hint
The theme words start with: A, B, C, G, P, P.
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How long is the spangram, and which way does it run?Strong hint
The spangram has 11 letters and runs from left to right.
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Strands #920 in numbers
- Theme words
- 6
- Recent average
- 5.7
- Spangram length
- 11 letters
- Longest theme word
- 8 letters
Strands #920 answers
Spoiler zone. Below are the spangram and all theme words for September 9, 2026.
Reveal one word at a time
Only want a foothold? Open one word, find it on the board, then go back and try for the rest. Shorter words come first because they give away the least.
Theme word 1 (5 letters)
ARBOR. It starts in row 8, column 4, counting from the top left.
Theme word 2 (5 letters)
BOWER. It starts in row 5, column 6, counting from the top left.
Theme word 3 (6 letters)
CANOPY. It starts in row 7, column 3, counting from the top left.
Theme word 4 (6 letters)
GAZEBO. It starts in row 1, column 4, counting from the top left.
Theme word 5 (7 letters)
PERGOLA. It starts in row 1, column 5, counting from the top left.
Theme word 6 (8 letters)
PAVILION. It starts in row 5, column 1, counting from the top left.
The spangram (11 letters)
SUNANDSHADE. It starts in row 8, column 1, counting from the top left.
Everything at once
Show every theme word and the solved board
Spangram: SUNANDSHADE
Theme words: ARBOR, BOWER, CANOPY, GAZEBO, PAVILION, PERGOLA
Each theme word is an outdoor structure that stands outside but gives you cover, like an ARBOR, GAZEBO, or PAVILION. The spangram SUNANDSHADE describes what they offer, a mix of open air and shelter, which fits the clue 'Over and out(side)'.
What does PERGOLA mean?
A garden structure made of upright posts supporting a roof of crossbeams and open rafters, usually covered with climbing plants to create a shaded walkway or seating area. It fits the theme of structures that give outdoor cover.
What does BOWER mean?
A shady, leafy shelter in a garden or woods, formed by tree branches or climbing plants. It is also an old poetic word for a lady's private chamber, and the name of a structure some birds build.
Recent Strands puzzles
| Date | Puzzle | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 8 | #919 | It's elementary! |
| Sep 7 | #918 | It's a deal! |
| Sep 6 | #917 | I've seen better |
| Sep 5 | #916 | Informally known as |
| Sep 4 | #915 | To the rescue |
| Sep 3 | #914 | Hike! |
| Sep 2 | #913 | All will be revealed |
About Strands
Strands is a daily New York Times word search with a theme. Every letter on the six-by-eight board belongs to an answer, and one answer, the spangram, names the theme and stretches between opposite sides of the board. Past puzzles are a good way to learn how the themed clues are usually worded.
Other puzzles on Sep 9
Strands #920 questions
What was the Strands spangram on September 9, 2026?
The spangram for Strands #920 was SUNANDSHADE, for the theme "Over and out(side)".
What were the Strands theme words on September 9, 2026?
ARBOR, BOWER, CANOPY, GAZEBO, PAVILION, PERGOLA, plus the spangram SUNANDSHADE.
What did the Strands #920 clue mean?
Each theme word is an outdoor structure that stands outside but gives you cover, like an ARBOR, GAZEBO, or PAVILION. The spangram SUNANDSHADE describes what they offer, a mix of open air and shelter, which fits the clue 'Over and out(side)'.