NYT Strands puzzle #572 was published for Friday, September 26, 2025. Its theme is “As old as time.” Use the hints below before opening the complete solution. Because Strands releases a new puzzle at midnight in each player’s time zone, the date is included to identify this specific board.
Hints for NYT Strands on September 26
The theme points to parts and features associated with a traditional mechanical clock. Try these nudges before viewing the spangram or answers:
- One answer is the sound a clock makes at set intervals.
- One is a device used to give a clock power by turning it.
- One refers to the toothed wheels inside a clock mechanism.
- One is a set of heavy objects that supplies driving force as it descends.
- One swings back and forth to regulate a clock’s movement.
Spangram clue
The spangram is the phrase that describes the puzzle’s theme and stretches between two opposite sides of the Strands board. For this game, think of a tall, traditional clock often associated with a long case and a swinging regulator.
Spoiler warning: complete solution
The following section gives the spangram and every theme word for game #572.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- ENGAGING WORD CHALLENGE: WordSnap brings a brain-boosting twist to traditional word games, letting players build words vertically, horizontally and diagonally, for an immersive gameplay experience that tests vocabulary and strategy skills
- FUN FOR EVERY SKILL LEVEL: Whether you're a word game enthusiast or just discovering them, this game is a fantastic choice for solo challenges, family game nights, fun learning tool for children, and cognitive memory aid for seniors; designed for 1-4 players ages 8 and up
- INNOVATIVE SOFT-SNAP TILES: Features 100 durable, flexible pieces with large easy-to-read letters; tiles snap together keeping words securely in place letting you easily rotate the word grid, ensuring every player gets a clear view of the game
- BOARD-FREE, LIMITLESS PLAY: Create a dynamic crossword puzzle-like layout without the confines of a game board; as words are built, unique patterns emerge, offering players unlimited scoring opportunities; download a free timer app to add an extra layer of excitement to your word-building sessions
- TRAVEL BAG: Packaged in a soft zippered pouch, WordSnap is easy to store, take on road trips or vacations, or gift
Spangram
GRANDFATHERCLOCK
Theme words
| Answer | What it refers to |
|---|---|
| CHIMES | The musical sounds produced by a clock, often on the hour or at other set times. |
| WINDER | A key or mechanism used to wind a clock. |
| GEARS | Interlocking toothed wheels that transfer motion through the movement. |
| WEIGHTS | Suspended masses that provide energy as they move downward. |
| PENDULUM | The swinging element that helps regulate the clock’s rate. |
How Strands’ hint and spangram rules work
The game asks you to find words connected to the daily theme and use them to fill the board. The spangram names the overall theme and touches two opposite sides of the grid. As described in instructions attributed to The New York Times and reproduced by Parade, finding three words that are not theme answers earns a hint. Those extra words are not part of the solution list above.
Why the date matters
“Today’s Strands” changes depending on when a reader plays and on their time zone. TechRadar identifies this board as game #572 and notes the midnight-by-time-zone release convention, so readers looking for the September 26 puzzle should match both the date and game number.
Rank #2
Sources for this solution
Forbes’ September 25, 2025 answer guide and the Strands Solution archive agree on the theme, spangram and five theme words. TechRadar supplies the game number and date identification. Parade reproduces the general gameplay instructions attributed to The New York Times.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Over 100 Puzzles ? Challenging and Fun ? From America?s Favorite Game Show!Test your skills, sharpen your mind and have fun with 100+ puzzles from the makers of Wheel of Fortune Game, also known as America's Game! These themed puzzles are based on real wheel categories.
- The collection includes crosswords, word searches, acrostics and more.Fun for ?Wheel? Fans or Anyone Who Likes PuzzlesThe Wheel of Fortune Word Puzzles collection is fun and challenging for fans of the TV game as well as anyone who enjoys word puzzles.
- The convenient spiral binding allows you to open the book and lie the pages flat, and also helps improve durability as you work your way through the many entertaining puzzles.
- Great for everyday recreation, and perfect for travel.
- 160 pages.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
