DailyWordHints
Sunday, August 30, 2026#1096

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Sunday, August 30

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“Hardly eager”

Spangram
IDRATHERNOT
Theme words
  • AVERSE
  • HESITANT
  • LOATH
  • RELUCTANT
  • UNWILLING

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

Today’s theme

“Hardly eager”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    IDRATHERNOT
    Theme words
    • AVERSE
    • HESITANT
    • LOATH
    • RELUCTANT
    • UNWILLING

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #1096, Sunday, August 30. The official theme is "Hardly eager" — 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 30 (#1096)?
    Today's Strands spangram is IDRATHERNOT.
    What is the Strands theme today (#1096)?
    The theme clue is "Hardly eager", and the theme words are AVERSE, HESITANT, LOATH, RELUCTANT, UNWILLING.
    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.