

NYT Strands #936 for September 25, 2026 follows the theme “1×1, etc ...”, with five words connected to square numbers.
Today’s spangram is SQUARENUMBER, which describes the mathematical relationship linking all five theme words.
The five theme words are FOUR, NINE, TWENTYFIVE, THIRTYSIX and EIGHTYONE.
Another NYT Strands puzzle is here for Friday, September 25, 2026. Today’s challenge uses the theme “1×1, etc ...” and asks players to find words connected to numbers produced by multiplying an integer by itself. The hints below can help players work through the grid before revealing the complete answers.
The official theme for September 25 is “1×1, etc ...”
The clue points toward square numbers, which are created when a number is multiplied by itself. Five theme words are hidden across today’s board, along with one spangram that connects the entire puzzle.
The answers are FOUR, NINE, TWENTYFIVE, THIRTYSIX and EIGHTYONE.
A useful way to approach today’s puzzle is to think about basic multiplication. Numbers such as 2×2, 3×3, 5×5, 6×6 and 9×9 lead to the answers hidden in the grid.
NYT Strands is a daily word-search puzzle where players find words connected to a specific theme. Players drag or tap letters to form words across the board.
The spangram is a special word or phrase that describes the puzzle’s central theme. It touches two opposite sides of the board and appears in yellow when found.
Players can also find non-theme words to earn hints. Finding three qualifying non-theme words unlocks a hint that shows the letters of one theme word.
Today’s main theme hint is:
“1×1, etc ...”
A simpler clue is:
Think about numbers created when a number is multiplied by itself.
The five theme words are square numbers. Thinking through basic multiplication tables can help narrow down the possible answers hidden across the board.
Still searching for the longest answer?
Today’s spangram is mostly horizontal.
The answer describes the type of numbers connected to today’s theme. It starts with S and ends with R.
The September 25, 2026 spangram is:
SQUARENUMBER
The word directly describes the mathematical category connecting the other answers. A square number is produced when an integer is multiplied by itself.
The complete answer list for today’s puzzle includes:
FOUR
NINE
TWENTYFIVE
THIRTYSIX
EIGHTYONE
SQUARENUMBER - Spangram
The five theme words represent square numbers. FOUR comes from 2×2, while NINE comes from 3×3. TWENTYFIVE represents 5×5, THIRTYSIX represents 6×6 and EIGHTYONE represents 9×9.
The mathematical theme is relatively direct once the clue is understood. The challenge comes from finding number names hidden across the letter grid.
Longer answers such as TWENTYFIVE, THIRTYSIX and EIGHTYONE can take more time to spot. Identifying shorter answers such as FOUR or NINE can help reveal the pattern.
The spangram can provide another breakthrough. Once players identify SQUARENUMBER, the connection between the remaining words becomes easier to recognise.
NYT Strands gives players a fresh theme and letter grid every day. Puzzle #936 focuses on square numbers, using “1×1, etc ...” as its central clue.
For players stuck on September 25, 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, Answers for September 24, 2026 (#935)