I was halfway through my morning coffee when today's Strands clue, "It's back!", made me pause with the mug still in my hand. It's such a small phrase, but it leaves plenty of room for second guesses. My first thought was something returning after a long absence, which wasn't exactly enough to get my fingers moving confidently around the grid.
What I like about this sort of puzzle is the moment when a vague idea starts to feel familiar. I found it helped to stop trying to make the clue too literal and think about the things we recognise when they come round again. If you're still staring at the letters, give yourself a little thinking time before reaching for a hint.
This page covers NYT Strands #1121 for Monday, September 21, 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 Monday, September 21, 2026 is "It's back!". There are 5 theme words to find plus the spangram, which always touches two opposite sides of the board.
Spoiler free hints
- The spangram has 13 letters and begins with the letter N.
- The shortest theme word has 4 letters, the longest has 10.
- The theme words start with these letters: G, L, N, S, T.
A stronger hint for each word
| Starts with | Length | First two letters |
|---|---|---|
| G | 6 letters | Gr... |
| L | 5 letters | Ly... |
| N | 4 letters | Ne... |
| S | 10 letters | Sc... |
| T | 10 letters | Tr... |
Today's spangram
Last chance to look away. The spangram for Strands #1121 is NINETIESTREND.
All NYT Strands answers for September 21, 2026
- GRUNGE (6 letters)
- LYCRA (5 letters)
- NEON (4 letters)
- SCRUNCHIES (10 letters)
- TRACKSUITS (10 letters)
Spangram: NINETIESTREND. That is the full board solved.
How to get better at Strands
Start by treating the clue as a figure of speech rather than a description of something physically behind you. Think about what can become popular again, then test a few related possibilities against the grid. Trace each candidate through touching letters, including diagonals, without reusing a square. If you find one convincing word, use its subject to narrow your next search. Watch for plural endings, but don't assume every answer needs one. The spangram names the shared idea and connects opposite edges, so leave room for a longer, winding route.
Frequently asked questions
What is the spangram in Strands today?
The spangram for Monday, September 21, 2026, puzzle #1121, is NINETIESTREND. It spans the board from one side to the opposite side.
How many theme words are in today's Strands?
There are 5 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 #1121 for Monday, September 21, 2026, edited by Tracy Bennett, constructed by Christina Iverson.
- The New York Times, how to play Strands.
