Strands hints and answers for October 2, 2026

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answers if you need them. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Puzzle#943
Theme words5
Spangram14 letters
EditorTracy Bennett

Today’s Strands board

Strands #943 uses all 48 letters below. The clue is:

“On the sly ...”
IHFUEVFSAKRITEVSITYNEIUNSDHOGTSYTARETEALRVDNUOCO

Strands hints for October 2, 2026 (#943)

Open one hint at a time. Each is more specific than the last, so you can stop as soon as it clicks.

1
ThemeThink about what “On the sly ...” could mean literally and as a pun. There are 5 theme words.
2
Spangram14 letters, starts with S and ends with D.
3
Word lengthsThe theme words have 6, 6, 7, 7, 8 letters.
Spoiler

Today’s Strands spangram

SNEAKINGAROUND

The spangram sums up the theme and touches two opposite edges of the board.

Full spoiler

Strands answers today

There are 5 theme words plus the spangram. Word lengths: 6, 6, 7, 7, 8.

SNEAKINGAROUNDCOVERTDEVIOUSFURTIVESHIFTYSTEALTHY

How to solve Strands #943

At the top of the board you'll see a short, often punny clue to the theme, such as "On the slopes" or "Kitchen duty". Drag or tap through adjacent letters to form a word. Letters can connect in any direction: up, down, sideways or diagonally, and a word can bend and change direction as many times as it needs to.

Want the full method? Read our Strands strategy and tips, or check how to play Strands on the hub.

Strands tips for tomorrow

  • Decode the clue before you swipe. Say the clue out loud and list what it could mean. "On the slopes" might be skiing, mountains or even angles. Narrowing the theme tells you what word lengths to look for.
  • Hunt for the spangram first. Look for long words that start on one edge. Finding the spangram explains the theme and removes a large chunk of letters from the board.
  • Clear the corners. Letters in corners have only three neighbours, so the words that use them are heavily constrained. Solving a corner often reveals an entire theme word.

Done for today? Try Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.

Previous Strands puzzles

Strands FAQ

What is today’s Strands spangram?+

The spangram for Strands #943 is SNEAKINGAROUND.

What is today’s Strands theme?+

The clue is “On the sly ...”. The theme words are COVERT, DEVIOUS, FURTIVE, SHIFTY, STEALTHY.

How many theme words are in Strands #943?+

5 theme words plus the spangram.

What is a spangram in Strands?+

The spangram is a word or phrase that describes the puzzle's theme. It always touches two opposite sides of the board and is highlighted in yellow when found.

Where can I find past Strands answers?+

Every past puzzle has its own page on GameAnswers.com with hints first and answers at the bottom. Click any date in the list above.

Today’s other puzzle answers

Strands guides