If you’re a fan of the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re in good company. This innovative word game from the New York Times merges elements of word searches with clever, thematic twists.
January 18, 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Soft Skills”
Today’s theme had a fun double meaning. Instead of simply referring to interpersonal skills, “Soft Skills” also alluded to hands-on crafts involving fabric and thread. The puzzle felt accessible, featuring familiar words and a spangram that clearly linked all the answers once discovered.
Hints for January 18, 2026 NYT Strands
- Consider creative activities involving fabric, yarn, or thread.
- Look for words connected to traditional handcrafts and sewing.
- Many answers focus on techniques rather than finished items.
- Expect a variety of short and medium-length words throughout the grid.
- The spangram unifies the list by naming the broader category of creativity.
Answers for January 18, 2026 NYT Strands
- Quilt
- Weave
- Knit
- Crochet
- Applique
- Embroider
Spangram
Textile Art
This spangram encapsulates the theme that links all the answers, categorizing various fabric techniques under one creative umbrella and helping solvers see the connections among the words in the grid.
How Strands Works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
- A theme is provided.
- The grid is filled with hidden words related to that theme.
- Words can appear in any direction, including diagonals.
- Finding all the theme words means you’ve completed the puzzle!
Each puzzle generally includes about 6–8 theme words.
How to Obtain and Use Hints
Hints are built right into Strands and can be incredibly helpful when you’re stuck:
- To earn a hint, locate any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
- Each valid extra word rewards you with one hint.
- Using a hint will reveal a theme word, assisting you in progressing further.
Pro tip: Be strategic with hints. Don’t waste them — saving them for challenging moments can help unlock the rest of the board.
Tips for Mastering NYT Strands
- Start with easy words. Identify clear connections to the theme at first.
- Check the diagonals early. Strands often hides words at an angle.
- Build around found words. Once you’ve identified a word, it can lead you to the next one.
- Use hints carefully. Gather them gradually by spotting extra words and save them for tough spots.
- Consider synonyms. The theme hint isn’t always straightforward—expand your thinking.
Final Thoughts
The Strands puzzle from January 18, 2026, leaned towards the easier side, with a warm and crafty theme that felt intuitive once deciphered. The word choices were gratifying, and the spangram tied everything together effectively. How many words did you uncover before resorting to the answers?
