NYT Strands #929 for September 18, 2026 follows the theme “Shake on it”, with answers connected to agreements and formal promises.
Today’s spangram is LETSMAKEADEAL, a 13-letter phrase that captures the idea behind the puzzle.
The five theme words are AGREEMENT, CONTRACT, COVENANT, PACT and TREATY.
Another NYT Strands puzzle is here for Friday, September 18, 2026. Today’s challenge follows the theme “Shake on it” and asks players to find words connected to agreements, promises and formal arrangements.
If you are stuck on the grid, the clues below can help you move forward without immediately revealing every answer.
The official theme for NYT Strands #929 is “Shake on it.”
The phrase points to the idea of reaching an agreement or confirming a deal. The hidden words describe different forms of agreements, ranging from general arrangements to formal legal and diplomatic commitments.
A useful way to approach today's puzzle is to think about words associated with people or groups agreeing to shared terms.
NYT Strands is a word-search game where players find words connected to the daily theme. The letters can be connected horizontally, vertically or diagonally, and the words can bend across the grid.
The spangram is the longer word or phrase that captures the puzzle's theme. It touches two opposite sides of the board and is highlighted in yellow when found. Theme words are highlighted in blue.
Players can also find non-theme words to earn hints. Finding three qualifying words unlocks a hint that reveals the letters of a theme word.
Today's main theme hint is:
“Shake on it”
A more direct clue is:
Think about reaching an agreement.
The theme words are linked to different types of arrangements, promises and agreements between people, organisations or countries.
NYT Strands Spangram Hint
Still looking for the longest answer?
Today's spangram has 13 letters and starts with L. It is a familiar phrase associated with making an agreement or reaching a deal.
If you want another clue, think of a phrase that might be used when two sides are ready to agree on something.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer Today
The September 18, 2026 spangram is:
LETSMAKEADEAL
The phrase connects directly with the “Shake on it” theme and brings together the other answers, which all describe agreements or formal commitments.
The complete answer list for today's puzzle includes:
AGREEMENT
CONTRACT
COVENANT
PACT
TREATY
LETSMAKEADEAL - Spangram
The five theme words represent different types of agreements. Agreement is the broadest term, while contract, covenant, pact and treaty refer to more specific forms of formal commitment.
Why Today's Puzzle May Take Some Time
Today's puzzle can be tricky since several answers have similar meanings. Words such as AGREEMENT, CONTRACT and PACT all point toward the same basic idea, making it harder to identify the exact words hidden in the grid.
COVENANT may also take some time to spot since it is less common in everyday conversation. TREATY, meanwhile, is strongly associated with formal agreements between countries.
Finding the LETSMAKEADEAL spangram can help narrow down the theme and make the remaining words easier to identify.
NYT Strands gives players a new theme and hidden word set every day. Puzzle #929 continues that format with a theme centred on agreements and promises.
For players who were stuck on today's grid, the answers above provide a complete route through the puzzle. The next Strands challenge will bring another theme, another spangram and a fresh set of hidden words.
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, Answers for September 17, 2026 (#928)