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Today’s NYT Strands puzzle centers on ghosts, illusions, and things that appear to exist but aren't actually there.
The theme words describe supernatural figures, imagined creatures, optical effects, and deceptive appearances.
WILL O THE WISP serves as the spangram, connecting the answers to today’s theme.
The NYT Strands puzzle puts a modern spin on the traditional word search, asking players to find themed words hidden across a 6×8 letter grid. Each puzzle centers on a common idea, while the spangram serves as the key phrase linking the theme words.
Today’s puzzle revolves around ghosts, illusions, and things that appear to exist but aren't actually there.
The main hint is “Ghosts, or things you see that aren’t there, caused by magic or a trick of the light or heat.” This points towards words associated with supernatural beings, imagined creatures, and visual illusions.
Once the theme becomes clear, players can look for words that fit this idea across the grid.
Players can also use the built-in NYT Strands Hint system when they get stuck. Finding three valid non-theme words can unlock a hint that reveals one of the puzzle’s theme words.
The first two letters of each theme word are:
SP
CH
MI
PH
IL
WI
These combinations point towards words describing supernatural figures, illusions, and mysterious phenomena. Identifying the theme can make it easier to locate the remaining answers.
The spangram for today is WILL O THE WISP.
The phrase refers to a mysterious light traditionally associated with marshes and folklore. It fits the puzzle’s theme of things that seem real but may be illusions or supernatural phenomena.
SPECTER: A ghost or spirit, particularly an eerie or frightening one.
CHIMERA: A creature or concept that exists only in the mind or is deemed impossible.
MIRAGE: An illusion caused by atmospheric conditions.
PHANTASM: An apparition, illusion, or imagined figure.
ILLUSION: Something that looks to be real, though it is just a deceptive appearance.
The NYT Strands puzzle for October 3, 2026, has the theme A FIGMENT OF YOUR IMAGINATION, with five answers referring to ghosts, imaginary beings, and illusions. The theme words SPECTER, CHIMERA, MIRAGE, PHANTASM, and ILLUSION, with WILL O THE WISP being the spangram tying all of them together.
