Today's Strands clue is "Shake on it". Use the hints below to find the theme words and the spangram.
Happy puzzling! This grid has a smooth, polished vibe today. Keep an eye out for longer words hiding in plain sight.
Theme nudge: What to look for
Look for words about promises, signatures, and formal arrangements.
Hint 1: How many words to find
There are 5 theme words plus one spangram.
Hint 2: The spangram
The spangram has 13 letters, starts with L, and runs from the top of the board to the bottom.
Hint 3: Theme word lengths and first letters
- 9 letters, starts with A
- 8 letters, starts with C
- 8 letters, starts with C
- 4 letters, starts with P
- 6 letters, starts with T
Show the spangram
LETSMAKEADEAL
Show all theme words
AGREEMENT, CONTRACT, COVENANT, PACT, TREATY
About this puzzle
- Made by Tracy Bennett
- Edited by Tracy Bennett
Strands deep dive
More about today's puzzle. Everything in this section can include the answer.
The solved board
Gold squares are the spangram, green squares are theme words.
What the theme words mean
- AGREEMENT: (countable) An understanding between entities to follow a specific course of conduct.
- CONTRACT: An agreement between two or more parties, to perform a specific job or work order, often temporary or of fixed durati...
- COVENANT: A pact or binding agreement between two or more parties.
- PACT: An agreement; a compact; a covenant.
- TREATY: (countable, international law) A formal binding agreement concluded by subjects of international law, namely, states ...
Play today's Strands at The New York Times
More hints for September 18, 2026
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