NYT Strands Today July 09, 2026 (#858): The daily word games are still playing into the hands of millions of gamers around the world, and NYT Strands is becoming one of the most captivating among The New York Times Games. Combining hidden-word game and thematic puzzles, NYT Strands allows you to find words that have something in common in a unique Spangram about today’s theme. If you found today’s puzzle challenging, then take a look at the full hints, solutions, information about Spangram and helpful tips for NYT Strands #858 from Thursday, July 09, 2026.
What is NYT Strands?
“NYT Strands” is a daily word search game created by The New York Times Games where players must find all the words related to the same theme. In contrast to other word search games, each game will have a special Spangram which is an extended word or a phrase explaining the theme of the whole word game.
How to Play NYT Strands
- Discover words that are connected to the daily theme.
- Slide tiles to create words.
- Words that are part of the theme remain highlighted once found.
- Discover the Spangram that is hidden within the puzzle.
- The Spangram crosses two opposite edges of the grid.
- Discovering non-theme words reveals additional hints.
- Every day, a new puzzle is launched.
Today’s NYT Strands Words for July 09 (Thursday)
- STICK
- GLOSS
- STAIN
- LINER
- TINT
- BALM
- PLUM
Today’s NYT Strands Hints for July 09 (Thursday)
- Theme: On the lips
- Hint words:
- ALONG
- TIERS
- LUMP
- MUSE
- BLISS
- PLUME
- MAKER
How Many Letters Are in Today’s Spangram?
- Today’s Spangram contains 13 letters.
- The answer is KISSANDMAKEUP.
What Two Sides of the Board Does Today’s Spangram Touch?
- Starts on the left side (5th row).
- Ends on the right side (5th row).
- Crosses the board horizontally.
NYT Strands Answers for July 09 (#858)
- STICK
- GLOSS
- STAIN
- LINER
- TINT
- BALM
- PLUM
- Spangram: KISSANDMAKEUP
Yesterday’s NYT Strands Answers for July 08 (#857)
- SCAMP
- HELLION
- RAPSCALLION
- WHIPPERSNAPPER
- Spangram: LITTLEDEVIL
ALSO READ: NYT Connections Today, Thursday July 09: Check Smart Hints, Clues, Answers & How to Play (Game #1124)
Recent NYT Strands Answers
- July 7 (#856): IGETAROUND
- July 6 (#855): SUMMERTIME
- July 5 (#854): HUNTINGBREEDS
- July 4 (#853): FIREWORKS
- July 3 (#852): NOTBUDGING
- July 2 (#851): GETSAUCY
- July 1 (#850): TELLTALESIGN
- June 30 (#849): THATSSHOWBIZ
- June 29 (#848): APARTMENTS
- June 28 (#847): PRIDEMONTH
- June 26 (#845): BILLYGOATSGRUFF
- June 25 (#844): SPATREATMENT
What Does KISSANDMAKEUP Mean?
Meaning
- “Kiss and make up” is an English idiom that means to end an argument, forgive each other and become friends again.
- The phrase is commonly used after a disagreement between family members, friends or partners.
Examples
- After arguing over vacation plans, the siblings decided to kiss and make up before dinner.
- The teammates kissed and made up after settling their disagreement before the championship match.
Toughest Strands Puzzles
Strand puzzles can be particularly difficult due to unique puzzle themes or long Spangrams. Examples of such puzzles include BILLYGOATSGRUFF, THATSSHOWBIZ, TELLTALESIGN and today’s KISSANDMAKEUP. These puzzles require participants to identify phrases rather than individual words.
Tips to Solve NYT Strands
- Read the theme before starting the search.
- Start with the short theme words.
- Make use of other words to gain hints.
- Pay attention to prefixes and suffixes.
- Look at the borders for the Spangram.
- Do not confine yourself to one part of the grid.
- Consider phrases rather than individual words.
- Practice regularly for better pattern recognition.
Why KISSANDMAKEUP Stumped Solvers
The Spangram puzzle for today posed quite a challenge to players since the puzzle involved 13 letters that needed to form a phrase, not just a word like BALM, TINT and GLOSS hinted at the theme of cosmetics, but the theme itself included some expressions related to lipstick and “KISSANDMAKEUP” was an extremely difficult puzzle to solve.
FAQ’s About NYT Strands
1. What is today’s NYT Strands puzzle number?
Today’s puzzle is #858, released on Thursday, July 09, 2026.
2. What is today’s Spangram?
The Spangram is KISSANDMAKEUP.
3. How many letters are in today’s Spangram?
It contains 13 letters.
4. Can players use hints in NYT Strands?
Yes. Discovering non-theme words unlocks in-game hints.
5. Is NYT Strands free to play?
Yes. A new puzzle is available daily through The New York Times Games website and mobile platform.
ALSO READ: NYT Wordle Today, Wednesday July 08: Check Smart Hints, Clues, Answers & How to Play (Game #1845)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and contains puzzle hints and answers. Attempt today’s NYT Strands before viewing spoilers.
