The New York Times Strands puzzle #986 brings a movement‑themed challenge to the board. With words linked to different ways we move our bodies, today’s puzzle invites players to explore actions that follow a shared pattern or direction. If you want to protect your perfect streak without using the in‑game hints, we have you covered.
Below, you will 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 puzzle is all about actions that follow someone else. Every word describes a different way of moving and they all connect to the idea of going in the same direction as the person ahead of you. Finding the Spangram first can help reveal that link though spotting the individual movement words might be easier for some players.
Each theme word names a specific motion people make. From fast steps to quiet ones these are all ways we travel on foot. Once you see the connection between them the Spangram makes perfect sense.
Today’s Strands Hints
To get you started without spoiling the specific words, use these clues to navigate the board:
- Today’s Official Theme Clue: Actions that follow someone else lead.
- Spangram Hint: Do what the person ahead of you is doing.
- Spangram Start/End Letters: Starts with F and ends with R, and has fourteen letters in total.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: The Spangram answer and full list of theme words are shown below. Do not scroll down if you still want to solve it yourself and follow the hints and clue above.
Today’s Strands Answers
All theme words are listed below, along with the official Spangram answer.
⚠️ WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
👉 Click to Reveal the Spangram
The Spangram word today is
FOLLOWTHELEADER
Here are all the theme words found on the board:
- GALLOP
- JUMP
- MARCH
- SKIP
- SPIN
- TIPTOE
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 and answers for puzzle #985 (November 13, 2026):
- Spangram: ROTTENLUCK
- Theme Words: BROKEN, FLOOR, MIRROR, SALT, SPILLED, THIRTEENTH
For older solutions, see our Strands answers archive.
More New York Times Games
We also provide solutions for other New York Times games, including Wordle and NYT Connections. You can visit our complete list of Wordle answers for November and check out today’s NYT Connections hints and answers.
How Did You Do?
Did you spot the movement words right away or did the Spangram take you a moment to see the pattern? Share your experience in the comments below.
A new puzzle becomes available every midnight based on your local time zone. It appears at different times around the world, including United States UTC-4 to UTC-8, Philippine Standard Time UTC+8, Australia UTC+8 to UTC+11, and New Zealand UTC+12 or UTC+13.
Check back tomorrow for more Strands hints, strategy tips, and the next answer.
