DailyWordHints
Friday, April 17, 2026#949

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Friday, April 17

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

Shell company

Spangram
MOLLUSK
Theme words
  • ABALONE
  • CLAM
  • CONCH
  • LIMPET
  • MUSSEL
  • OYSTER
  • SCALLOP

NYT Strands #949 (Friday, April 17) theme is “Shell company”. Spangram: MOLLUSK. Theme words: ABALONE, CLAM, CONCH, LIMPET, MUSSEL, OYSTER, SCALLOP.

Today’s theme

Shell company

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    MOLLUSK
    Theme words
    • ABALONE
    • CLAM
    • CONCH
    • LIMPET
    • MUSSEL
    • OYSTER
    • SCALLOP

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #949, Friday, April 17. The official theme is "Shell company" — work through the hints before revealing the spangram.

    How Strands hints work

    Each hint reveals a bit more about the theme and the spangram without naming any answer word. The full list of theme words stays below the fold.

    How to crack the spangram

    The spangram touches two opposite sides of the board and sums up the whole theme, so it's usually the longest answer. Find a couple of theme words first, ask what links them, then look for a long path that stretches edge to edge.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Strands spangram for April 17 (#949)?
    Today's Strands spangram is MOLLUSK.
    What is the Strands theme today (#949)?
    The theme clue is "Shell company", and the theme words are ABALONE, CLAM, CONCH, LIMPET, MUSSEL, OYSTER, SCALLOP.
    How many theme words are in a Strands puzzle?
    Each Strands board hides a set of theme words plus one spangram. Today's puzzle has 7 theme words to find alongside the spangram.