DailyWordHints
Thursday, September 17, 2026#1117

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Thursday, September 17

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“A little comic relief”

Spangram
THEFUNNYPAGES
Theme words
  • BLONDIE
  • MUTTS
  • PEANUTS
  • PICKLES
  • ZIPPY
  • ZITS

Today's NYT Strands theme is "A little comic relief". Use the hints below before revealing the spangram and theme words.

Today’s theme

“A little comic relief”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    THEFUNNYPAGES
    Theme words
    • BLONDIE
    • MUTTS
    • PEANUTS
    • PICKLES
    • ZIPPY
    • ZITS

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #1117, Thursday, September 17. The official theme is "A little comic relief" — 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 September 17 (#1117)?
    Today's Strands spangram is THEFUNNYPAGES.
    What is the Strands theme today (#1117)?
    The theme clue is "A little comic relief", and the theme words are BLONDIE, MUTTS, PEANUTS, PICKLES, ZIPPY, ZITS.
    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.