Explore Today’s NYT Strands puzzle leans into nostalgia with the theme “It’s been a while.” If words like encounter and converge make you think of people coming back together, you’re already circling the right idea. Below you’ll find gentle hints, the Spangram direction, and (past the spoiler line) every single answer.
Today’s Strands Theme:
The theme for today’s NYT Strands on July 26, 2025, is, It’s been a while.
NYT Strands Hints for Today:
Spangram clue: An instance of two or more people coming together again after a period of separation.
Not sure where to begin? Try these soft nudges:
- Hint #1: What’s a group of peacocks called?
- Hint #2: The coming together of people, especially in large numbers.
Strands Spangram Position: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?
The Spangram is mostly HORIZONTAL and starts with “RE.”
Spoiler Warning:
Scroll past this point AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hints and answers for today’s Strands below.
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer:
REUNION
All Theme Words in Today’s Strands:
- MEET
- GATHER
- CONVENE
- ASSEMBLE
- MUSTER
- CONGREGATE
Reflections on Today’s Puzzle:
This grid was all about reconnection. If you locked onto the clue pairing encounter and converge, the pathway to REUNION likely opened up quickly. Words like MEET and GATHER served as approachable entry points, while longer terms such as CONGREGATE and ASSEMBLE confirmed the large-group dynamic embedded in the theme. The cohesive semantic field made this one feel fair but still satisfying once the main idea clicked.
Conclusion:
Game #368 wrapped a warm, communal concept in tidy vocabulary. If REUNION clicked early, you probably breezed through; if not, those crowd-focused verbs eventually pulled everything together. Tell us how you did in the comments, and come back tomorrow for a brand-new Strands adventure!