Spoilers ahead. NYT Strands puzzle #747, dated Friday, March 20, 2026, has the theme “Spring fever.” The clue is about spring-shaped coils and twists, not the season. Read the hints first if you want to solve it yourself; the full word list and spangram are below.
Hints for Strands #747
Gentle hint
Think about the winding shape of a metal spring.
Stronger hint
The answers name loops, spirals, curls and other forms that turn.
First-three-letter cues
The six theme words begin COI, COR, CUR, GYR, HEL and SPI.
Spangram clue
The spangram is a 12-letter phrase for a winding route or action. Its letters stretch between opposite edges of the board.
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The theme words are:
- COIL — a series of loops or turns.
- GYRE — a circular or spiraling motion or form.
- CORKSCREW — a familiar twisting shape, as well as the tool used to pull a cork.
- CURLICUE — a decorative curling flourish.
- HELIX — a three-dimensional spiral, like the familiar shape associated with DNA.
- SPIRAL — a curve that winds around a center or axis.
The spangram is TWISTANDTURN, entered without spaces.
Why the theme is “Spring fever”
“Spring” points to the coiled or twisting shape of a spring, rather than springtime, allergies or romantic excitement. TWISTANDTURN connects the six answers through their winding forms and motions.
How Strands works
PC Guide describes Strands as a 6 × 8 grid of letters in which adjacent letters can be traced to form words. Finding three non-theme words earns a hint, according to that guide. These are source-described game mechanics and may change over time. PC Guide’s March 20 guide provides the dated puzzle details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources for the March 20 answers
TechRadar’s guide for Friday, March 20 and Strands Today’s March 20 archive agree on the theme, six answers and spangram. TechRadar’s article was published March 19 as an advance guide to the next day’s puzzle. A neighboring-day result listing POTLUCK refers to March 19, not puzzle #747.
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