DailyWordHints
Sunday, July 12, 2026#1054

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Sunday, July 12

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“In the Big Apple”

Spangram
EMPIRESTATE
Theme words
  • BAGEL
  • BODEGA
  • BOROUGH
  • DELI
  • STOOP
  • SUBWAY
  • TAXI

Today's NYT Strands theme is "In the Big Apple". Use the hints below before revealing the spangram and theme words.

Today’s theme

“In the Big Apple”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    EMPIRESTATE
    Theme words
    • BAGEL
    • BODEGA
    • BOROUGH
    • DELI
    • STOOP
    • SUBWAY
    • TAXI

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #1054, Sunday, July 12. The official theme is "In the Big Apple" — 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 July 12 (#1054)?
    Today's Strands spangram is EMPIRESTATE.
    What is the Strands theme today (#1054)?
    The theme clue is "In the Big Apple", and the theme words are BAGEL, BODEGA, BOROUGH, DELI, STOOP, SUBWAY, TAXI.
    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.