The New York Times Strands puzzle #862 brings a pleasant theme that might leave you spotting small words before you find the full set. If you want to protect your perfect streak without burning through in-game hints, we have you covered. Below is a breakdown of today’s theme clue, targeted hints for the Spangram, and the complete solution at the bottom of the page.
Today’s Strands Strategy and Commentary
Today’s board spreads words across gentle paths rather than tight clusters, so scanning in all directions will serve you well. The Spangram weaves through the middle and connects both sides of the grid, making it a great starting point to map out the rest of the theme words. Once you unlock that central path, the related words will stand out much more clearly.
Daily NYT Puzzle Hub
Maximize your daily puzzle efficiency by checking out our comprehensive guides for today’s other major NYT titles:
- Wordle Hints & Answer Today: Today’s Wordle Hints & Answer: July 13, 2026 (Puzzle #1850)
- Connections Hints & Groups Today: NYT Connections Hints & Answers Today: July 13, 2026 (Puzzle #1128)
Strands Hints Today: Theme and Spangram Clues
To get you started without spoiling the specific words, use these structural clues to navigate the board:
- Today’s Official Theme Clue: “Fully pleasing”
- Spangram Hint: It describes something that meets a need perfectly or gives exactly what was wanted.
- Spangram Start/End Letters: Starts with H and ends with T.
Theme Word Clues
If you need help identifying the individual blue words, here is what you are looking for on the board:
- Word 1: Giving great pleasure or enjoyment
- Word 2: Causing a feeling of great happiness
- Word 3: Meeting expectations or desires well
- Word 4: Gentle and agreeable in nature
NYT Strands Answers Today: Monday July 13, 2026
⚠️Spoiler Warning: This section contains the complete solution for puzzle #862, including the Spangram and all theme words. Only scroll further if you are ready to see the answers.
The official Spangram for Monday, July 13, 2026 is HITSTHESPOT.
Here are the theme words found on the board:
- ENJOYABLE
- DELIGHTFUL
- SATISFYING
- PLEASANT
Previous Spangram answer
NYT Strands Answer July 12, 2026 (Puzzle #861):
- Spangram: EMPIRESTATE
- Theme Words:
- BOROUGH
- SUBWAY
- BODEGA
- BAGEL
- TAXI
- STOOP
- DELI
Share your board
Did you manage to find the Spangram on your very first try, or did you have to rely on filling the hint meter with unrelated words?
Let us know how many hints you used or share your thoughts on today’s theme in the comments section below.
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