NYT Strands #951 and #952 Solutions: 'A Slow Drizzle' and 'Old Fashioned' Themes

The New York Times Strands puzzle #951 for October 10, 2026, features the theme 'A slow drizzle' with the spangram 'STICKYANDSWEET' and words like MOLASSES and HONEY. The subsequent puzzle #952 for October 11, 2026, focuses on retro items with the theme 'They don't make 'em like they used to,' featuring the spangram 'OLDFASHIONED' and words such as PAGER and TYPEWRITER. Multiple outlets provided hints and solutions for both daily word search games.
Key points
- Strands #951 (Oct 10) theme is 'A slow drizzle' with spangram 'STICKYANDSWEET'.
- Theme words for #951 include MOLASSES, HONEY, SYRUP, TREACLE, and GRENADINE.
- Strands #952 (Oct 11) theme is 'They don't make 'em like they used to' with spangram 'OLDFASHIONED'.
- Theme words for #952 include PAGER, ICEBOX, INKWELL, TELEGRAM, and TYPEWRITER.
- The New York Times rated #951 as 'moderate' difficulty based on tester feedback.
Background
The New York Times Strands is a daily word search game where players find hidden words that fit a specific theme. The game includes a 'spangram,' a word that spans the entire board, and several theme words. Recent puzzles have covered various themes, including 'Changing Course' (#947) and 'Tickled Pink' (#948). The game is accessible via the NYT website and app, and players can use hints if they submit non-theme words.
How outlets are covering it
Lifehacker and The New York Times provided hints and solutions for Strands #951, with Lifehacker detailing the solving process and The New York Times offering interactive hints and difficulty ratings. CNET provided hints and solutions for Strands #952, emphasizing the retro theme. All outlets agreed on the answers but differed in their presentation, with Lifehacker focusing on the solving strategy and CNET highlighting the nostalgic aspect of the #952 theme.
Why it matters
Daily word games like Strands have become popular among readers for their engaging and educational nature. Providing hints and solutions helps players who are stuck, enhancing the overall experience and encouraging continued engagement with the NYT Games platform.
What to watch
Players can look forward to new Strands puzzles daily, with hints and solutions typically available from various outlets. The New York Times continues to release new puzzles, maintaining the daily challenge for word game enthusiasts.
- Today's NYT Strands Hints (and Answer) for Saturday, October 10, 2026 Lifehacker
- NYT Strands Hints for October 10, 2026 The New York Times
- Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, Oct. 11, #952 CNET
- Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, October 10, 2026 Parade Magazine
- NYT Strands Hints, Clues And Answer For Friday, October 9 (That Can’t Be Right) Forbes
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