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NYT Strands #689 for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, has the theme “That’s not very polite.” Its spangram is DONTBERUDE, and its seven theme words are BURP, GLOAT, INTERRUPT, POINT, SHOUT, STARE, and TEASE. This is an answer guide to that past puzzle, not today’s Strands board.
Spoiler-light hint
Look for behaviors that might earn a “mind your manners” reminder in class or at a meal. Strands also has an in-game hint mechanic if you want help finding words without immediately reading the full solution.
Quick Recap
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Timeline Twist Pop Culture Edition - Test Your Chronological Knowledge! Cooperative Trivia Game, Fun Family Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 8+, 2-6 Players, 20 Minute Playtime, Made by Zygomatic
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Vodolo Updated Version Brainy Knots Game,Puzzle New Board Games 2025 Safe and Sturdy for Travel Party Activities Rope Challenge,2 Player Fun Educational Family Board Games,Rope Untangling Puzzle Game
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NYT Strands answers for January 21, 2026
Spangram: DONTBERUDE
Theme words:
- BURP
- GLOAT
- INTERRUPT
- POINT
- SHOUT
- STARE
- TEASE
Puzzle details
| Detail | Answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle | Strands #689, Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | Multiple puzzle guides, 2026 |
| Theme | “That’s not very polite” | Multiple puzzle guides, 2026 |
| Theme words | 7 | Play Strands NYT archive, 2026 |
| Spangram length | 10 letters | Play Strands NYT archive, 2026 |
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