NYT Strands Answers Revealed for September 26: Clock Themed Puzzle Stumps Players

Strands solvers faced a timely challenge on Friday, September 26, 2025. The New York Times puzzle theme, “As old as time,” led players to discover words related to classic timepieces.

According to The New York Times, the goal was to find the Spangram and five theme words. This particular puzzle required thinking about the inner workings of clocks.

Solving the September 26 Strands Puzzle

The key to today’s puzzle was the Spangram: GRANDFATHER CLOCK. This phrase spanned vertically from the top to the bottom of the game board. Identifying it unlocked the theme.

The five theme words were all components of such a clock. Players found GEARS, WEIGHTS, CHIMES, WINDER, and PENDULUM hidden in the grid. Each word connected directly to the mechanical operation of a traditional timekeeper.

Broader Impact on the Word Game Community

Word game enthusiasts continue to embrace Strands for its unique challenge. Its focus on thematic connections offers a different test compared to Wordle or Connections. This keeps the NYT Games suite engaging for a wide audience.

The difficulty of puzzles can vary significantly day to day. Today’s “clock” theme was considered moderately challenging. It required specific knowledge but remained accessible to persistent solvers.

Success in Strands often depends on recognizing the Spangram early. Today’s answer, GRANDFATHER CLOCK, perfectly encapsulated the classic theme and helped players find all the related words with greater ease.

Dropping this nugget your way

What was the theme for the September 26 Strands?

The theme was “As old as time.” This hint pointed players toward words associated with traditional clocks and their mechanisms.

What is a Spangram in NYT Strands?

A Spangram is a special word or phrase that spans the entire puzzle grid. It summarizes the day’s theme and connects two opposite sides of the board.

How difficult was the September 26 Strands puzzle?

This puzzle was rated a 2 out of 5 in difficulty. The theme was straightforward once the Spangram was identified, making it moderately challenging for most players.

Can I play previous Strands puzzles?

Yes. The New York Times Games site maintains an archive. Subscribers can access and play past Strands puzzles by selecting their desired date.