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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The September 24, 2026, NYT Strands theme is “Just outside your door.” The spangram is BACKYARD, and the six theme words are FORT, POOL, SANDBOX, SWINGS, TRAMPOLINE and TREEHOUSE. Use the graduated hints below before opening the full solution.
September 24 Strands hints
Open each spoiler only when you need more help.
Theme hint
The theme is “Just outside your door.”
Optional nudge
Think about things found outside a child’s home—somewhere you might be invited to go out and play.
First-letter hints
- PO
- FO
- SW
- SA
- TR
- TR
- Spangram: BA
Spangram orientation
The spangram runs mostly horizontally across the grid.
September 24 Strands answers
Reveal the full solution
| Type | Answer | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Spangram | BACKYARD | The setting that connects the theme |
| Theme word | FORT | A backyard play structure |
| Theme word | POOL | A backyard swimming spot |
| Theme word | SANDBOX | A place for playing in sand |
| Theme word | SWINGS | Playground equipment |
| Theme word | TRAMPOLINE | Equipment for bouncing |
| Theme word | TREEHOUSE | A raised backyard play space |
How Strands works
NYT Strands gives you a letter grid and a category clue. Connect adjacent letters to spell words matching the theme; paths can bend and change direction as you trace them.
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The spangram
One special answer, the spangram, summarizes the puzzle’s category and touches two opposite sides of the board. It is displayed differently from ordinary theme words. In this puzzle, BACKYARD identifies the setting shared by the six answers.
Using hints without giving up immediately
Finding three valid words that are not part of the theme unlocks a hint. The hint reveals letters from one theme answer, which can help you identify the word and continue searching the grid.
Where to play
Strands is available through the NYT Games website and app. Open the daily Strands puzzle there to play the September 24 board.
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