DailyWordHints
Tuesday, August 18, 2026#1076

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Tuesday, August 18

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“Fool me once ...”

Spangram
CHARLATAN
Theme words
  • BAMBOOZLE
  • BILK
  • DECEIVE
  • DUPE
  • HOODWINK
  • MISLEAD

Today's NYT Strands theme is "Fool me once ...". Use the hints below before revealing the spangram and theme words.

Today’s theme

“Fool me once ...”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    CHARLATAN
    Theme words
    • BAMBOOZLE
    • BILK
    • DECEIVE
    • DUPE
    • HOODWINK
    • MISLEAD

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #1076, Tuesday, August 18. The official theme is "Fool me once ..." — 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 August 18 (#1076)?
    Today's Strands spangram is CHARLATAN.
    What is the Strands theme today (#1076)?
    The theme clue is "Fool me once ...", and the theme words are BAMBOOZLE, BILK, DECEIVE, DUPE, HOODWINK, MISLEAD.
    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.