The NYT Strands puzzle for October 17, 2026, presents players with a relatable set of symptoms in challenge No. 958. This edition focuses on the physiological and behavioral reactions that occur when infatuation takes hold.
Strands Theme and Progressive Hints
The theme for today is “Quite the crush.” This theme specifically highlights the involuntary ways the human body and behavior change when someone is feeling a romantic attraction or nervousness.
- Broad Hint: Think about how you might act or feel physically if you were suddenly face-to-face with someone you have a major crush on.
- Stronger Hint: These words describe things like turning red, losing your train of thought, or being unable to sit still.
- Spangram Hint: This two-word phrase (found as one continuous line) describes the process of beginning to have deep romantic feelings for someone. It starts with “F” and ends with “E.”
If you are looking to unlock in-game hints, you can find non-theme words such as FELL, MELL, SIPS, HILL, MUST, BUGS, BALE, SHIP, and BIDE to fill your hint meter.
SPOILER WARNING: The final spangram and all theme answers for Strands No. 958 are listed below.
Today’s Spangram
The spangram for October 17 is FALLINLOVE.
Theme Answer List
- BLUSH: To turn red in the face from embarrassment or attraction.
- BABBLE: To talk rapidly or incoherently, often due to nervousness.
- FIDGET: Making small, restless movements with the hands or feet.
- GIGGLE: A nervous or silly laugh.
- STUMBLE: To trip over your words or your feet.
- PERSPIRE: A formal way to describe sweating when you are under pressure or anxious.
Related NYT Puzzles for October 17
In addition to Strands No. 958, the New York Times released Wordle No. 1946 on October 17, 2026. These puzzle numbers are calculated based on their original launch dates, including leap year adjustments for the 2026 calendar year.
