Players tackling the New York Times’ web-based word puzzle on October 26, 2026, faced puzzle No. 967 under the theme “Please, be my guest!”, as reported by Mashable. The daily grid-based challenge required solvers to connect letter strings in multiple directions to uncover terms related to hosting and greeting visitors.
The Vertical Spangram Driving Puzzle 967
The central organizing element for the October 26 puzzle stretched vertically across the board. According to CNET, today’s spangram was HOSPITALITY, beginning with the letter H positioned four columns across on the top row and winding downward through the grid.
Every single letter on the board found a home in a solution. Unlike standard linear word searches, the game allowed letters to link up, down, left, right, or diagonally with directional twists.
Complete Word List and Theme Solutions
The puzzle featured six standard theme words alongside the central spangram. CNET documented the full solution set required to clear the board.
- HOST
- MEET
- INVITE
- RECEIVE
- WELCOME
- ENTERTAIN
Players struggling to populate the board could utilize the game’s hint mechanism. Entering three separate non-theme words consisting of four or more letters automatically unlocked a theme word placement. CNET reported using filler strings such as SPIT, LITE, MIRE, TIRE, LATE, LATER, TEEM, HOPES, HOPE, and LAIN to generate those in-game hints.
Puzzle's Themes Criticized for Vagueness
CNET editor Gael Fashingbauer Cooper critiqued the puzzle’s conceptual reach, noting that the selection felt like a collection of vaguely associated terms rather than a cohesive, lively topic like everyday clothing items or animal categories.
Released daily at midnight in local time zones by The New York Times, Strands continues to draw daily engagement alongside companion offerings like Wordle and Connections.
