NYT Strands Hints and Solutions for 9 April 2026

Hints

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle brings an artistic flair with its theme: “In the paint.” Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to dabble, the challenge lies in unscrambling the answers related to this creative theme. One helpful hint to keep in mind is the phrase “Hand me a brush,” which perfectly sets the tone for today’s task.

If you’re feeling stuck, remember that your goal is to uncover hidden words that resonate with this artistic theme. Don’t hesitate to start by finding any words you can see. For every three words of four letters or more you find, Strands reveals one of the theme words. Here are some words that helped me, but feel free to explore your own: COME, PATS, SPAT, SLOE, MEAN, LEAN, MANE, RATE, PEER, LATE, RATER. Each of these words will bring you a step closer to unlocking today’s puzzle.

Answers

Now, onto the goods. The answers you seek, neatly tied to today’s theme, include both the non-spangram and the golden spangram itself. Here are the non-spangram answers to look out for:

  • FRESCO
  • PASTEL
  • ENAMEL
  • ACRYLIC
  • TEMPERA
  • WATERCOLOR

The crowning achievement of the day is the spangram: MEDIUM. This art term is essential as it captures the entire scope of artistic expression. To locate it, begin with the M that’s four letters down on the far-left vertical row and move straight across. This will complete your artistic journey in the puzzle.

As you wrap up your puzzle-solving extravaganza, don’t forget the thrill of the chase. It’s not just about the answers but the joy of discovering connections within words. Fans of the game often share their reactions online, celebrating the satisfying moment when all pieces come together. Happy puzzling!

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