The New York Times Strands puzzle for Friday, September 18, 2026, presents a fresh challenge under the theme “Shake on it.” Puzzle #929 invites players to uncover words related to agreements, promises, and formal commitments. If you’re stuck on the grid, the clues and answers below will help you move forward.
Understanding the Theme
The official theme for Strands #929 is “Shake on it,” a phrase that suggests reaching an agreement or confirming a deal. The hidden words describe various types of arrangements, from casual understandings to legally binding contracts and international treaties. Think of terms people use when they agree on shared terms.
How NYT Strands Works
NYT Strands is a word-search game where players find theme-related words by connecting letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Words can bend across the grid. The spangram is a longer word or phrase that encapsulates the day’s theme; it touches two opposite sides of the board and is highlighted in yellow. Theme words appear in blue. Players can also find non-theme words to earn hints—three such words unlock a hint that reveals letters of a theme word.
Theme Hint for September 18, 2026
Main hint: “Shake on it”
More direct clue: Think about reaching an agreement. The theme words are linked to different types of arrangements, promises, and agreements between people, organizations, or countries.
Spangram Hint
The longest answer has 13 letters and starts with L. It’s a familiar phrase used when two sides are ready to agree on something. If you need another clue, consider what you might say when you’re about to finalize a deal.
Spangram Answer
The spangram for September 18, 2026, is: LETSMAKEADEAL. This phrase directly connects to the “Shake on it” theme and ties together the other answers.
Complete List of Answers
- AGREEMENT
- CONTRACT
- COVENANT
- PACT
- TREATY
- LETSMAKEADEAL (Spangram)
The five theme words represent different levels of formality: Agreement is the broadest term, while contract, covenant, pact, and treaty refer to more specific formal commitments.
Why Today’s Puzzle May Take Some Time
Several answers have similar meanings—Agreement, Contract, and Pact all point to the same basic idea, making it harder to identify each hidden word. Covenant is less common in everyday conversation, and Treaty is strongly associated with international diplomacy. Finding the spangram first can help narrow down the theme and make the remaining words easier to spot.
Strands #929 continues the daily format with a theme centered on agreements and promises. For players who struggled today, the answers above provide a complete solution. The next puzzle will bring a new theme, spangram, and set of hidden words.
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