NYT Strands puzzle #687 is for Monday, January 19, 2026. Its theme is “Shaking things up.” For a spoiler-light nudge, think moving around; the complete word list and spangram are below the spoiler warning.
Hint for Strands #687
The theme points to verbs describing unsteady, back-and-forth motion. Try spotting words for shaking, rocking, or losing balance before looking at the answers.
Spoilers: January 19 Strands answers
Spangram: LETSROCK
Theme words: QUAKE, SWAY, TEETER, TREMBLE, VIBRATE, WAVER, and WOBBLE.
The ordinary answers describe kinds of shaking or unstable movement; LETSROCK turns that idea into a playful phrase.
How Strands hints work
Strands asks players to find theme words in a letter grid. The words fill the board without overlapping, while the spangram summarizes the theme and stretches between two opposite sides. Parade’s guide says finding three non-theme words earns a hint that reveals letters in a theme word. Try Hard Guides likewise describes using non-theme words of four letters or more to earn hints.
Quick Recap
How to use a hint without spoiling the puzzle
- Start with the theme clue. “Shaking things up” suggests motion that is unsteady or back and forth.
- Look for a few theme words first. Consider different ways something can shake, rock, or wobble.
- Use the in-game hint if you need a nudge. Find non-theme words to earn a letter-revealing hint.
- Reveal the full list only if you want the solution. The answers above include every theme word and the spangram.
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