Update: We last updated this article with today's NYT Strands Answers on April 16, 2026.

NYT Strands is the new obsession for word puzzle lovers. This game is a captivating hunt for a secret theme hidden in a chaotic grid. If today's puzzle has you stumped, don't worry, we've got the clues and answers you need to solve the mystery. Here are NYT Strands answers today, with hints for April 16, 2026

NYT Strands #774 Hints for April 16, 2026

Here are today’s NYT Strands hints for you.

NYT Strand's theme today is: "This is not working"

While many words may reveal themselves to you, the game’s objective is to find words related to the day’s theme.

Click here to reveal hints for today's NYT Strands
  • Strands hint No. 1: These are the activities we choose to do when the clock isn't ticking for a boss.
  • Strands hint No. 2: Think of terms that bridge the gap between a casual curiousity and a dedicated lifestyle choice.
  • Strands hint No. 3: JU, HO, PA, IN, SI, RE

You don’t need another hint for today’s Strands puzzle.

NYT Strands Answer Today for April 16, 2026

Click here to reveal NYT Strands answers today with all the words, including spangram.
  • Spangram word – JUSTFORFUN
  • Remaining words: Hobby, Pastime, Interest, Sideline, Recreation

Click here to reveal the NYT Strands answers puzzle image.
"This is not working" NYT Strands Answers Today, April 16

Today's Strands feels like a breath of fresh air, offering a puzzle that is as relaxing as the subject matter itself. The layout is clever because many of the words share similar rhythmic patterns, which might lead you to click on "Re-something" or "In-something" only to find the path winds a different way than expected. Finding the Spangram early is definitely the move here, as it stretches beautifully across the board and acts as a perfect anchor for the shorter, more synonymous terms. It’s a gentle challenge, not one that will have you pulling your hair out, but rather one that reminds you why we play these games in the first place. I'd rate it 3.5 out of 5.

How did you like today's NYT Strands puzzle? Easy, hard, or meh?

You can also check out today's answers for other NYT puzzles :

NYT Strands Rules

NYT Strands is a word game that is played on a 6x8 letter grid containing seemingly random letters. Each letter must be used in some way so that when all the words have been found, the board is full, leaving no letter unused.

Each puzzle has a theme, but you don't know what the theme is. A hint is provided at the start of the game. You must guess all the common theme-related words that have something in common, leading to the Spangram.

Spangram is a special challenge word or base of the theme. All the words, when solved, are denoted in blue except the Spangram, which is denoted in yellow when guessed correctly and touches two ends of the board, side to side or top to bottom. Spangram denotes what's common between all the other words on the board.

Note: Players can find non-theme words to earn hints. Every 3 non-theme words will unlock a hint.

That's all for today's NYT Strands answers, guys. Come back tomorrow for the next one.