NYT Strands Hints, Spangram & Answers Today: May 19, 2026 (Puzzle #807)

The New York Times Strands puzzle for May 19 brings a challenging board layout that might leave you hunting for non-theme words just to fill your hint meter. 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 & Commentary

Today’s board layout is heavily clustered in the center and lower-right section of the grid, making it easy to miss shorter theme words hidden between larger ones. If you get stuck early on, look for terrain-related terms and pay attention to curved letter paths around the middle rows. Finding the Spangram first is highly recommended today, as it cuts through the board cleanly and reveals the puzzle’s elevation-themed structure.

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 (May 19, 2026): Puzzle #1795
• Connections Hints & Groups Today: NYT Connections Hints & Answers Today: May 19, 2026 (Puzzle #1073)

Strands Hints Today: Theme & Spangram Clues

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

• Today’s Official Theme Clue: “Above sea level”
• Spangram Hint: The word flows from left to right and relates to places found at elevated terrain or higher elevations.
• Spangram Start/End Letters: Starts with H and ends with D.

Theme Word Clues

If you need help identifying the individual blue words, here is what you are looking for on the board:

• Word 1: A small rounded hill or mound
• Word 2: A slanted side of a hill or mountain
• Word 3: A rugged elevated crest or narrow hilltop
• Word 4: Another term for a small hill
• Word 5: A raised patch of ground often found in wetlands

NYT Strands Answers Today: May 19, 2026

Spoiler Warning: This section contains the complete solution, including the Spangram and all theme words. Only scroll further if you are ready to see the answers.

The official Spangram for today’s puzzle is HIGHERGROUND

Here are the remaining theme words found on the board:

• HUMMOCK
• SLOPE
• RIDGE
• KNOLL
• MOCK

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!