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Right this moment’s NYT Strands puzzle is fairly troublesome. Hope you already know your sea creatures! A number of the solutions are troublesome to unscramble, so should you want hints and solutions, learn on.
I’m going into depth concerning the rules for Strands in this story.
In the event you’re on the lookout for right now’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword solutions, you’ll be able to go to CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Learn extra: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far
Trace for right now’s Strands puzzle
Right this moment’s Strands theme is: Shell firm.
If that does not show you how to, this is a clue: By the ocean.
Clue phrases to unlock in-game hints
Your purpose is to search out hidden phrases that match the puzzle’s theme. In the event you’re caught, discover any phrases you’ll be able to. Each time you discover three phrases of 4 letters or extra, Strands will reveal one of many theme phrases. These are the phrases I used to get these hints however any phrases of 4 or extra letters that you just discover will work:
- LOCK, LOCKER, MOLLS, SOCK, TOLL, CALM, POLL, POLLS, POLE
Solutions for right now’s Strands puzzle
These are the solutions that tie into the theme. The purpose of the puzzle is to search out all of them, together with the spangram, a theme phrase that reaches from one facet of the puzzle to the opposite. When you’ve all of them (I initially thought there have been all the time eight however discovered that the quantity can range), each letter on the board shall be used. Listed below are the nonspangram solutions:
- CLAM, CONCH, LIMPET, MUSSEL, OYSTER, ABALONE, SCALLOP
Right this moment’s Strands spangram
The finished NYT Strands puzzle for April 17, 2026.
Right this moment’s Strands spangram is MOLLUSK. To search out it, search for the M that is 4 letters down on the farthest-left row, and wind throughout.
Hardest Strands puzzles
Listed below are among the Strands subjects I’ve discovered to be the hardest.
#1: Dated slang. Perhaps you did not even use this lingo when it was cool. Hardest phrase: PHAT.
#2: Thar she blows! I suppose marine biologists may ace this one. Hardest phrase: BALEEN or RIGHT.
#3: Off the hook. Once more, it helps to know loads about sea creatures. Sorry, Charlie. Hardest phrase: BIGEYE or SKIPJACK.

