DailyWordHints
Monday, June 29, 2026#1026

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Monday, June 29

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

The mark of a good composer

Spangram
MUSICALSTAFF
Theme words
  • ACCIDENTAL
  • BRACKET
  • CLEF
  • MEASURE
  • NOTE
  • REST

Today's NYT Strands theme is "The mark of a good composer". Use the hints below before revealing the spangram and theme words.

Today’s theme

The mark of a good composer

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    MUSICALSTAFF
    Theme words
    • ACCIDENTAL
    • BRACKET
    • CLEF
    • MEASURE
    • NOTE
    • REST

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #1026, Monday, June 29. The official theme is "The mark of a good composer" — 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 June 29 (#1026)?
    Today's Strands spangram is MUSICALSTAFF.
    What is the Strands theme today (#1026)?
    The theme clue is "The mark of a good composer", and the theme words are ACCIDENTAL, BRACKET, CLEF, MEASURE, NOTE, REST.
    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 6 theme words to find alongside the spangram.