NYT Strands #958 for October 17, 2026, follows the theme ‘Quite the crush,’ focusing on feelings and behaviour linked to romantic attraction.
Today's spangram is FALL IN LOVE, a 10-letter phrase that stretches across the grid.
The six theme words are BLUSH, PERSPIRE, BABBLE, FIDGET, GIGGLE, and STUMBLE.
Another NYT Strands puzzle is here for Saturday, October 17, 2026. Today's challenge explores the awkward reactions people may experience when they have a crush. The clues below offer a way to work through the grid before revealing the complete answers.
The official theme for October 17 is “Quite the crush.” It points towards romantic attraction and the nervous behaviour that can accompany it.
Players should look for words describing physical reactions, restless movements and changes in behaviour around someone they like. A useful additional clue is “You give me butterflies,” which points towards the feelings associated with falling in love.
NYT Strands is a word-search game in which players find words linked to a daily theme. Letters connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally, so the correct paths can turn and change direction across the grid.
The spangram is the word or phrase that captures the puzzle's central idea. It stretches between two opposite sides of the board and turns yellow when found. Players can also discover non-theme words to earn hints. Finding three valid words outside the theme unlocks a clue.
Today's main theme hint is:
“Quite the crush”
A more direct clue is:
“You give me butterflies.”
Look for words describing how people might behave when they feel attracted to someone. The answers include physical reactions and actions that can reveal nervousness or excitement.
Still searching for the longest answer? Today's spangram contains 10 letters when written without spaces.
It begins near the left side of the first row and reaches the right side of the sixth row. Its route crosses the board, so tracing connected letters in different directions may help reveal the phrase.
The October 17, 2026, spangram is:
FALL IN LOVE
The phrase captures the puzzle's romantic theme. Finding it can also help players identify the remaining words associated with the emotions and behaviour of someone experiencing a crush.
The complete answer list for puzzle #958 includes:
BLUSH
PERSPIRE
BABBLE
FIDGET
GIGGLE
STUMBLE
FALL IN LOVE - Spangram
Each theme word describes a possible reaction to romantic attraction. BLUSH and PERSPIRE point to physical responses, while BABBLE and GIGGLE describe ways someone might speak or react. FIDGET and STUMBLE add nervous movements to the theme.
Some answers have similar meanings, which can make today's puzzle harder to solve. Players may understand that the theme is about having a crush, yet still struggle to find the correct words hidden in the grid.
The spangram also moves across the board in different directions, making it harder to spot. Finding this longer phrase first can help players understand the theme better and locate the remaining words more easily.
NYT Strands offers a fresh theme each day, with the spangram providing a central clue to the puzzle. Today's challenge focuses on the familiar signs of having a crush, from blushing and giggling to stumbling over words.
For anyone stuck on Strands #958, the hints and answers above provide a way to finish the grid. The next daily puzzle will bring a different theme and another set of hidden words.
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram and Answers for October 16, 2026