Today’s NYT Strands puzzle for July 26, 2026, challenges players with the theme “All Knowing,” leading to words describing knowledgeable and trusted experts. The spangram, BIGBRAIN, ties together answers including Pundit, Expert, Specialist, Maven, Authority, and Guru.
Hints for Solving
Today’s theme was “All Knowing.” For players looking for another nudge, an additional hint was: “You’ll want to consult them.” This pointed toward people regarded as experts or authorities in their respective fields.
Opening Letters
The first two letters of each theme word were: PU, EX, SP, MA, AU, GU. These opening letters hinted at words describing knowledgeable individuals. Once players recognized the pattern, the remaining theme words became much easier to locate.
If you get stuck, the built-in NYT Strands Hint system can also reveal one theme word after finding three non-theme words containing at least four letters.
Spangram
Today’s spangram is BIGBRAIN. The phrase perfectly captures the puzzle’s overall theme, representing intelligence, expertise, and exceptional knowledge. Every themed answer fits under the umbrella of someone recognized for mastery in a particular subject.
Theme Words for Today
- PUNDIT: A political commentator or an expert who offers informed opinions, especially about current affairs.
- EXPERT: Someone with extensive know-how and competence built up from study and experience.
- SPECIALIST: A professional with deep, advanced expertise in a specific subject or area of work.
- MAVEN: A trusted, knowledgeable figure who has a wealth of insight and shares it with others.
- AUTHORITY: A widely respected person seen as a leading expert on a certain topic or field.
- GURU: An experienced mentor or learned guide that people turn to for guidance and direction.
Bottom Line
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle celebrated know-how and learned expertise through the theme “All Knowing.” Once players connected the clues to trusted experts and recognized the BIGBRAIN spangram, they could uncover words like Pundit, Expert, Specialist, Maven, Authority, and Guru — all pointing to the same idea of mastery and authority.