Are you looking for NYT Strands hints and answers for today, January 16, 2026? You're on spot! Our guide provides you with all the hints to crack today's Spangram. But if you're still having a hard time to solve it on your own after knowing all the hints, we will also include the answer so you can keep your winning streak alive!
What Is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a new word puzzle from The New York Times Games collection, giving another type of challenge for Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Connections fans. You will connect letters in a 6x8 grid to find theme-based words and a special “Spangram” that stretches across the grid vertically, diagonally, or horizontally.
The daily theme acts as your biggest clue, helping you uncover multiple words related to the topic, plus the long Spangram that ties the whole puzzle together!
NYT Strands Today’s theme (January 16, 2026)
Here is the NYT Strands Today theme puzzle for January 16;
- Theme: DC crusader
Today's theme hints at a fictional superhero from DC Comics, known as the Dark Knight of Gotham City. Unlike many heroes, he has no superpowers and instead relies on intelligence, combat skills, advanced technology, and detective work.
NYT Strands Today: hints for January 16, 2026
Need a little nudge without seeing the full answers? Here are hints for today's Strands puzzle:
- Hint 1: A person who jokes or plays pranks.
- Hint 2: A small songbird.
Spangram Hint:
- The Spangram runs horizontally across the grid.
- It starts with "BA."
NYT Strands Today: answers for January 16, 2026
🛑 Spoiler Alert! 🛑
Scroll down only if you’re ready for the full solutions.
Today’s Spangram
- BATMAN
Today’s theme words
- JOKER
- ROBIN
- CAPE
- PENGUIN
- MANOR
- VENGEANCE
- JUSTICE
Today's Spangram and theme words reflect the spirit of making mistakes, which is perfect for the “DC crusader” theme!
Today's Spangram is a bit easy. So once I saw the theme was “DC crusader,” my brain immediately went to Gotham territory. The hints basically screamed Batman. Joker and Robin are dead giveaways, that’s his arch-nemesis and his most famous sidekick. Then he has a cape, which is literally his signature look, and concepts like vengeance and justice, making all hints click. Batman also fights crime for justice, but sometimes fueled by vengeance, and when you connect all those dots, BATMAN is the only answer that fits everything cleanly.
To find it, scan the board from the left side on the first line, starting with the letter B, which is the fourth letter from the top. Continue scanning the board horizontally, ending with the letter R to complete the Spangram word.
How does the NYT Strands Spangram work?
The Spangram is a unique feature of Strands puzzles, it’s a single word or phrase that connects two sides of the grid, encapsulating the day's theme. Finding the Spangram early often makes solving the rest of the puzzle much easier.
Tips for solving NYT Strands puzzles
If you're serious about mastering Strands, keep these tips in mind:
- Start from the corners: Theme words usually begin or end here.
- Use in-game hints wisely: Unlock hints if you're stuck — it's better than guessing randomly!
- Think outside the box: Sometimes, the connection to the theme might be more playful or metaphorical.
- Focus on the Spangram: Cracking the Spangram gives you the biggest advantage.
Stay updated for NYT Strands today and beyond
Bookmark this page for daily NYT Strands Today hints and answers. We update right after the puzzle goes live, so you’ll never miss a solution!
Looking for more puzzle help? Check out the following guides below to help you out!
- Binance crypto wodl answer
- Spotle answer today
- Contexto answer today
- Globle answer today
- Loldle answer today
- Pokedle answer today
And that ends our NYT Strands today! Enjoy and keep your winning streak!