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Need a nudge for the January 25, 2026 NYT Strands puzzle? Game #693 has the theme “The straight and narrow.” Start with the hints below, then open the answer list when you’re ready for the full reveal.
Hints for the January 25 Strands puzzle
- Theme: “The straight and narrow.”
- Direct clue: “Not curved.”
- Gentle nudge: Think of straight, slender objects that can be markers, supports, or tools.
- Spangram hint: It is a 15-letter phrase that touches opposite sides of the board.
The direct clue “Not curved” appears in Parade’s guide. The nudge is an interpretation of the answer set, not a published NYT clue.
January 25 Strands answers
Spoilers below.
Show the full answer list
Spangram: STICKYSITUATION
Theme words: BATON, CANE, DOWEL, PICKET, POLE, POST, STAKE.
How to use Strands hints
In Strands, trace letters by dragging or tapping. Theme words stay blue when found; the spangram describes the theme, connects two opposite sides of the board, and highlights yellow. Finding three non-theme words earns an in-game hint that reveals letters belonging to theme words.
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TechRadar, Wordhint, and an answer archive agree on all seven theme words and the spangram. Parade’s guide lists STICK and PICK instead of PICKET and STAKE. Because those two answers conflict with the three matching lists, the answer reveal above uses the corroborated set. The retrieved guides do not include an official NYT archive entry for this date, so the list is not presented as officially confirmed.
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