Daily Word Hints

Strains to hear? (crossword clue)

5 squares · NYT Crossword · May 14, 2026 · The answer stays hidden until you tap it

This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, May 14, 2026 (29 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.

How to read this clue

The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.

Answer length: 5 squares

First letter

S _ _ _ _

First and last letters

S _ _ _ S

Show the answer
About the answer

SONGS as a word: the second album by singer-songwriter Regina Spektor; the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Luther Vandross.

SONGS has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since December 29, 2025.

Other clues with the same answer

More clues from this puzzle

Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times

All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers