NYT Strands #934 for September 23, 2026 follows the theme “Practically paleolithic,” with five words linked to age, history and things from the distant past.
Today’s spangram is THATSOLDNEWS, a 12-letter phrase that connects the puzzle’s answers through the idea of something old or outdated.
The five theme words are ANCIENT, ARCHAIC, BYGONE, PRIMEVAL and TIMEWORN.
Another NYT Strands puzzle is here for Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Today’s challenge uses the theme “Practically paleolithic” and asks players to find words connected to things that are extremely old, outdated or linked to an earlier period. The hints below can help players work through the grid before revealing the complete answers.
The official theme for September 23 is “Practically paleolithic.”
The clue points toward words that describe something old, ancient or belonging to a distant era. Five theme words are hidden across today’s board, along with one spangram that connects the entire puzzle.
The answers are ANCIENT, ARCHAIC, BYGONE, PRIMEVAL and TIMEWORN.
A useful way to approach the puzzle is to think of different ways to describe something that has been around for a very long time. Words connected with history, earlier eras and outdated things can help narrow down the possibilities.
NYT Strands is a daily word-search puzzle where players find words connected to a specific theme. The letters can be connected in different directions across the 6x8 grid.
The spangram is a special word or phrase that captures the puzzle’s central idea. It stretches across the board and touches two opposite sides. Once found, the spangram appears in yellow.
Players can also find non-theme words to earn hints. Finding three qualifying non-theme words unlocks a hint that highlights letters belonging to one of the theme answers.
Today’s main theme hint is:
“Practically paleolithic”
A simpler clue is:
Think of things that are very old or belong to another era.
The five theme words describe different forms or examples of age. Looking for synonyms connected to ancient history, outdated objects or earlier periods can help players uncover the grid.
Strands Spangram Hint
Still searching for the longest answer?
Today’s spangram has 12 letters when written without spaces. It starts with T and ends with S.
The phrase refers to information or an idea that is already old news. It also ties directly into the puzzle’s broader theme of things from the past.
The September 23, 2026 spangram is:
THATSOLDNEWS
The phrase fits the puzzle’s theme by describing something that is already old or no longer new. It also provides a useful clue for finding the five related words hidden across the board.
The complete answer list for today’s puzzle includes:
ANCIENT
ARCHAIC
BYGONE
PRIMEVAL
TIMEWORN
THATSOLDNEWS - Spangram
All five theme words describe something associated with the past, age or long-term wear. PRIMEVAL points specifically toward the earliest ages, while TIMEWORN can describe something made old or worn through long use.
The difficulty comes from the similarity between several answers. ANCIENT, ARCHAIC and BYGONE can all point toward something from the past, making it harder to identify the exact words hidden in the grid.
PRIMEVAL may also require more thought since it refers specifically to the earliest ages. TIMEWORN adds another meaning linked to something affected by long use or age.
The spangram can provide an important breakthrough. Once players identify THATSOLDNEWS, the connection between the remaining words becomes easier to recognise.
NYT Strands gives players a fresh theme and letter grid every day. Puzzle #934 focuses on words connected with age and the distant past, using “Practically paleolithic” as its central clue.
For players stuck on September 23, the full answer list provides a direct route through the puzzle. The next Strands challenge will bring another theme and a new set of hidden words.
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram and Answers r for Septembe22, 2026 (#933)