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Today's NYT Strands puzzle (#943) centers on sneaky and secretive behavior.
The theme words described how a person acts when trying not to be noticed.
The SNEAKINGAROUND spangram connected all five answers under the "On the sly" theme.
The NYT Strands puzzle puts a modern spin on the traditional word search, asking players to find themed words hidden across a letter grid. Each puzzle centres on a common idea, while the spangram acts as the key phrase connecting the theme words.
Today's puzzle, Strands #943, comes with the official clue "On the sly." The answers describe ways of acting when a person wants to avoid attention. If you are having trouble spotting the words, think about terms for secret, sneaky or dishonest behaviour. Some answers describe someone who moves quietly, while others describe someone who acts in a tricky or untrustworthy way.
Also read: NYT Strands Hints, Answers for October 1, 2026 (Puzzle #942)
The first two letters of each theme word are:
CO DE FU SH ST
These pairs point toward common words for secretive or sneaky behavior. Once one answer is found, the rest become much easier. Players can also use the built-in NYT Strands hint system if they get stuck. The game reveals part of a theme word after a player finds three valid non-theme words with at least four letters.
Also read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, Answers for September 30, 2026 (Puzzle #941)
Today's spangram is SNEAKINGAROUND.
The word has 14 letters and sums up the central idea of the puzzle, which is moving or acting in secret so that no one notices. Each theme answer describes a way of behaving in that setting. The spangram bends between vertical and horizontal lines and touches two opposite sides of the board.
COVERT: Kept secret rather than openly shown or admitted. DEVIOUS: Using tricks or dishonest methods to get what one wants. FURTIVE: Acting secretly, often to avoid being caught. SHIFTY: Looking or acting in a way that seems dishonest or untrustworthy. STEALTHY: Moving or acting quietly and carefully so nobody notices.
Today's NYT Strands puzzle looks at sneaky behavior with five words: COVERT, DEVIOUS, FURTIVE, SHIFTY and STEALTHY. SNEAKINGAROUND is the spangram that ties them together. Once the theme is clear, the grid becomes much easier to solve.
