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NYT Strands for January 4, 2026, features the enigmatic theme ‘I just know...’, which is further clarified by the clue: Mental powers.
The spangram is SIXTHSENSE, weaving its way from the top-left across the board.
Today’s answers include various terms for individuals and abilities associated with the supernatural or intuitive, like MEDIUM, ORACLE, and more.
Today’s NYT Strands pushes players into the realm of the extrasensory. The theme, ‘I just know...’, hints at intuition and precognition. Unlike puzzles with short, punchy nouns, Strands #672 features several long, complex words that require careful tracing. Navigating this grid feels like a psychic test in itself, as you hunt for the specialized vocabulary used to describe those with ‘Mental powers.’
NYT Strands today is particularly challenging due to the length of the words. To keep your streak alive, keep these strategies in mind:
Don't Fear the Long Words: This isn't a day for four-letter filler. Most of the theme words are substantial. If you see a ‘CL-’ or ‘CH-’, look for longer extensions like CLAIRVOYANT or PSYCHIC.
Watch for Tricky Spelling: CLAIRVOYANT and PSYCHIC are notorious for their unusual letter combinations (the silent 'P' or the 'OYAN' suffix). Take your time to trace the spelling before committing.
Use Hint Words Strategically: If you're stuck, look for common small words like RICE, DICE, or TAPE. These won't be on the theme list, but finding three of them will unlock a hint to show you exactly where a theme word starts.
The spangram for January 4 is SIXTHSENSE. This 10-letter powerhouse defines the entire theme. To find it, look for the S located at the top-left of the board and follow its path as it winds downward through the center of the grid.
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, and Answers for January 3, 2026
The puzzle board today includes five theme words representing various types of seers and mentalists, plus the overarching spangram:
MEDIUM – Someone who communicates with the spirits.
ORACLE – A priest or priestess acting as a medium for divine advice.
PSYCHIC – A person sensitive to non-physical forces.
TELEPATH – Someone who can read or communicate thoughts.
CLAIRVOYANT – A person who claims to have supernatural ability to perceive events in the future.
January 4's NYT Strands #672 was a sophisticated challenge that moved beyond everyday objects and into the abstract. The spangram SIXTHSENSE was beautifully integrated, and while the vocabulary was long and difficult to unscramble, it provided a very satisfying ‘click’ once the words were finally revealed. If you felt like you needed a crystal ball to solve this one, you weren't alone!
