The NYT Strands puzzle for October 6, 2026, is game #947. Today’s theme, “Changing course,” focuses on actions and terms used when a decision or direction is suddenly reversed.
Today’s Strands Theme Hints
If the theme “Changing course” hasn’t quite clicked yet, here are progressive hints to help you find the theme words without giving them away immediately.
Broad Hint
Think about what you do when you realize you have made a mistake or need to go back on a previous statement or action.
Stronger Hint
Most of these words are verbs that describe the act of nullifying a previous choice or flipping something over entirely.
Spangram Hint
Today’s spangram is exceptionally long, at 16 letters. It is a common three-word phrase used to describe a deceptive or sudden swap. It runs vertically through the middle of the grid.
Spoiler Warning: The final answers and the spangram for NYT Strands #947 are listed below.
NYT Strands Answers for October 6 (#947)
The spangram for today is THEOLDSWITCHEROO. Notably, this 16-letter word starts on the bottom row in the third column and ends back on the bottom row in the fourth column, effectively spanning the height of the grid twice.
- UNDO
- FLIP
- REVERSE
- OVERTURN
- BACKPEDAL
THEOLDSWITCHEROO (Spangram)
Today’s grid is tightly packed, with only five theme words in addition to the spangram to fill the 48-letter board. Yesterday’s puzzle (#946) featured the theme “Oh well, too bad, such a shame,” but today shifts from expressions of regret to the literal act of changing one’s mind or position.
