I took one look at today's Strands clue, "Putting on airs", and let my coffee go a little cooler while I considered the possibilities. My first thought was music, followed by weather, which is usually a sign that I need another sip before committing to anything. It's a lovely little phrase for a puzzle, with just enough ambiguity to send you wandering.
If you're still finding your way in, I'd give yourself a moment to think about how the expression gets used in everyday conversation. That helped me narrow things down without needing a hint. Sometimes the most useful move is to stop staring at the letters briefly.
This page covers NYT Strands #1120 for Sunday, September 20, 2026. You will find the theme clue, a spoiler free hint, a stronger hint, the spangram and every theme word, in that order. Scroll slowly and stop where you like.
Today's Strands theme
The official clue for Sunday, September 20, 2026 is "Putting on airs". There are 7 theme words to find plus the spangram, which always touches two opposite sides of the board.
Spoiler free hints
- The spangram has 11 letters and begins with the letter G.
- The shortest theme word has 4 letters, the longest has 7.
- The theme words start with these letters: B, B, B, F, G, P, S.
A stronger hint for each word
| Starts with | Length | First two letters |
|---|---|---|
| B | 7 letters | Bl... |
| B | 5 letters | Bo... |
| B | 4 letters | Br... |
| F | 4 letters | Fl... |
| G | 5 letters | Gl... |
| P | 7 letters | Po... |
| S | 5 letters | St... |
Today's spangram
Last chance to look away. The spangram for Strands #1120 is GRANDIOSITY.
All NYT Strands answers for September 20, 2026
- BLUSTER (7 letters)
- BOAST (5 letters)
- BRAG (4 letters)
- FLEX (4 letters)
- GLOAT (5 letters)
- POSTURE (7 letters)
- STRUT (5 letters)
Spangram: GRANDIOSITY. That is the full board solved.
How to get better at Strands
Think of the clue as an expression about someone's behaviour rather than taking each word literally. Once you have that meaning in mind, look for short action words before chasing longer possibilities. Trace each candidate carefully, remembering that paths can turn diagonally and change direction several times. A promising sequence isn't enough unless its meaning fits too. As confirmed words clear space, revisit the remaining clusters and test connections between them. Save your search for the board-spanning answer until those smaller discoveries suggest a broader category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the spangram in Strands today?
The spangram for Sunday, September 20, 2026, puzzle #1120, is GRANDIOSITY. It spans the board from one side to the opposite side.
How many theme words are in today's Strands?
There are 7 theme words today, plus the spangram.
How do you earn hints in Strands?
Find any valid non theme word of at least four letters. Every three of those unlocks one hint, which highlights the letters of a theme word without ordering them for you.
What time does a new Strands puzzle appear?
A new puzzle goes live at midnight in your local time zone, so this page is updated every morning with the new board.
Sources
- NYT Games, Strands puzzle #1120 for Sunday, September 20, 2026, edited by Tracy Bennett, constructed by Tracy Bennett.
- The New York Times, how to play Strands.
