DailyWordHints
Monday, July 20, 2026#1017

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Monday, July 20

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“Small talk”

Spangram
ITSYBITSY
Theme words
  • LITTLE
  • MICROSCOPIC
  • MINIATURE
  • MINUSCULE
  • TINY

Today's NYT Strands theme is "Small talk". Use the hints below before revealing the spangram and theme words.

Today’s theme

“Small talk”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    ITSYBITSY
    Theme words
    • LITTLE
    • MICROSCOPIC
    • MINIATURE
    • MINUSCULE
    • TINY

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #1017, Monday, July 20. The official theme is "Small talk" — 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 20 (#1017)?
    Today's Strands spangram is ITSYBITSY.
    What is the Strands theme today (#1017)?
    The theme clue is "Small talk", and the theme words are LITTLE, MICROSCOPIC, MINIATURE, MINUSCULE, TINY.
    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.