NYT Strands Hints and Answers: September 12, 2026 (Puzzle #923)

The New York Times Strands puzzle #923 brings a challenging board layout that might leave you searching for non-theme words just to fill your hint meter. If you want to protect your perfect streak without using up the in-game hints, we have you covered.

Below, you’ll find 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 is filled with words that all mean to set something or someone free or to let go of something, with letters shared across overlapping terms that run in all directions. It is easy to spot one word but harder to see how each connects to the main theme. Many entries cross each other, so check every direction carefully. Finding the Spangram first will clarify the common link and make the rest much easier to find.

Today’s Strands Hints

To get you started without spoiling the specific words, use these structural clues to navigate the board:

• Today’s Official Theme Clue: “To stop holding on or to set free”
• Spangram Hint: It is a common phrase meaning to release something or stop worrying about it, and it spans across the board in connected parts.
• Spangram Start/End Letters: Starts with L and ends with O, and there are 7 letters in total.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: The Spangram answer and full list of theme words is shown below. Don’t scroll down if you still want to solve it yourself and follow the hints and clue above.

Today’s Strands Answers

Here are all the theme words found on the board:

• DISENGAGE
• DETACH
• UNLOOSE
• LIBERATE
• RELEASE
• FREE

Yesterday’s Answer

Catch up on yesterday’s solution. This record shows the Spangram and theme words from the previous game, so you can compare results or double-check the past grid.

Below is yesterday’s answer for NYT Strands hints & answers for puzzle #922.

• Spangram: ONTHEWATERFRONT
• Theme Words: LIGHTHOUSE, BRIDGE, BARGE, DOCK, PIER, SHIP

For older solutions, see our Strands answers archive.

How did you do?

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 or just spotted some theme words?

Let us know how many hints you used or share your thoughts on today’s theme in the comments section below.