DailyWordHints
Saturday, May 16, 2026#979

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Saturday, May 16

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“Bon appétit!”

Spangram
FRENCHBAKERY
Theme words
  • CROISSANT
  • ECLAIR
  • MACARON
  • MERINGUE
  • MOUSSE

NYT Strands #979 (Saturday, May 16) theme is “Bon appétit!”. Spangram: FRENCHBAKERY. Theme words: CROISSANT, ECLAIR, MACARON, MERINGUE, MOUSSE.

Today’s theme

“Bon appétit!”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    FRENCHBAKERY
    Theme words
    • CROISSANT
    • ECLAIR
    • MACARON
    • MERINGUE
    • MOUSSE

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #979, Saturday, May 16. The official theme is "Bon appétit!" — 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 May 16 (#979)?
    Today's Strands spangram is FRENCHBAKERY.
    What is the Strands theme today (#979)?
    The theme clue is "Bon appétit!", and the theme words are CROISSANT, ECLAIR, MACARON, MERINGUE, MOUSSE.
    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 5 theme words to find alongside the spangram.