The September 22 NYT Strands puzzle theme centers around literal and figurative small openings.
The spangram MINDTHEGAP ties together every word of the theme and drives home the central idea of gaps.
Solving Strands every day is probably one of the most efficient exercises for building vocabulary, pattern recognition, and logical thinking.
Autumn is here, cold days are coming, and the leaves are turning colors. The season carries its own cozy melancholy, setting just the right backdrop for puzzles like today's NYT Strands. And as the weather shifts, fellow wordsmiths will want to flex that grid-bearing, mouse-clicking finger through cleverly hidden words and a spangram running its full length.
The theme for September 22 is "Find an Opening." All the words in the puzzle refer to small openings or spaces, such as cracks, niches, or indentations. Some are used metaphorically for opportunities or spaces in life. Knowing about this theme helps the solver anticipate some answers, making the puzzle easier and more rewarding.
Here are hints for each word to make the grid easier to navigate:
Hint 1 – 6 letters, starts with AL. A recessed space in a wall, often cozy.
Hint 2 – 4 letters, starts with NO. A small corner or hidden space can be literal or figurative.
Hint 3 – 7 letters, starts with CR—a narrow crack, usually in rock or wood.
Hint 4 – 5 letters, starts with NI: a specialized role or a small recess.
Hint 5 – 6 letters, starts with CR. Tiny opening or gap, sometimes hard to spot.
Hint 6 – 10 letters, starts with PI. Small compartment or metaphorical classification.
Spangram – MindTheGap. Connects words across the grid.
Non-Spangram answers to the September 22 puzzle included:
Alcove
Nook
Crevice
Niche
Cranny
Pigeonhole
All these words relate to small openings or gaps, either physically or figuratively, furthering the puzzle theme.
The spangram for September 22 is:
MINDTHEGAP
Extending from one end of the grid to the far end, it carries the theme of openings, either literal gaps or some form of metaphorical space. Identifying this early on helped affirm the theme and foster a sense of satisfaction as the rest of the puzzle was filled.
Strands require observation, pattern recognition, and patience. Let's look at some tips to solve this NYT Strands Puzzle:
First, concentrate on the theme. Understanding the category provides context for potential words.
Spot shorter words first. They often trigger in-game hints.
Scan methodically. Check rows, columns, and diagonals carefully.
Use letter rearrangement. Writing or typing letters can reveal tricky words.
Look for the spangram. It often connects across the grid and confirms the theme.
Players in the NYT Strands Puzzle of September 22 were forced to consider openings, physical or metaphorical. The solvers recognized small spaces, which connected the spangram MINDTHEGAP and thus added to vocabulary, logic, and pattern-recognition skills. A daily dose of Strands is always a fun way to stimulate the brain into activity, and it is worth welcoming in the fall.