Strands September 22, 2026: Answers, Spangram & Hints (#1123)
Recap
This puzzle required understanding of various terms that describe changes or shifts, whether in schedules, states, or phases. Solvers had to identify a spangram related to an astronomical event and four theme words that fit the 'day and night shift' concept. The challenge involved connecting these terms to their meanings and relevance to the theme.
The official theme clue
Day and night shift
Printed above the board in the app itself that day — the line that decided which of the many words hiding in the grid actually counted.
Strands hints, one rung at a time
Six rungs, softest first. The recap above already named the answers, so this ladder is here for anyone replaying the board fresh rather than as a spoiler shield.
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Hint 1: What the theme was getting at
A reading of the theme. No answers.
The theme involves concepts related to changes or shifts that occur over time, often marking a significant point or period.
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Hint 2: The category, said plainly
The same idea, unhedged.
Category: Terms for changes or shifts in schedules or states
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Hint 3: Board facts: how many words, how long
Counted off the grid.
The board was 6 letters wide and 8 tall. 4 theme answers were hidden in it, plus the spangram, which ran top to bottom and was 11 letters long.
- Theme word 1
- 6 letters
- Theme word 2
- 10 letters
- Theme word 3
- 10 letters
- Theme word 4
- 11 letters
- Spangram
- 11 letters, top to bottom
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Hint 4: One clue per word, easiest first
Crossword-style.
Theme word 1 (6 letters)
Abrupt change or exchange from one thing to another
Theme word 2 (10 letters)
Process of changing from one system or situation to another
Theme word 3 (10 letters)
Period of changing from one situation or phase to another
Theme word 4 (11 letters)
Series of events or stages leading to advancement or development
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Hint 5: First two letters of every theme word
Enough to start tracing.
- Theme word 1
- SW… (6 letters)
- Theme word 2
- CH… (10 letters)
- Theme word 3
- TR… (10 letters)
- Theme word 4
- PR… (11 letters)
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Hint 6: What the spangram meant
The long one that tied the board together.
Astronomical event marking equal daylight and darkness, occurring twice a year
It touched both edges, running top to bottom across all 8 rows.
The starting letter board
The grid as printed, 6 across and 8 down. Read only — reveal an answer below and this board traces it.
Every Strands answer and the spangram
Every answer from that board, folded. Opening one traces its path above — the spangram in gold.
Theme word 1 · 10 letters
CHANGEOVER
CHANGEOVER refers to the act of changing from one system or situation to another, often marking a significant shift.
Theme word 2 · 11 letters
PROGRESSION
PROGRESSION describes a series of events or stages that lead to advancement or development over time.
Theme word 3 · 6 letters
SWITCH
SWITCH involves an abrupt change or exchange from one thing to another, often suddenly.
Theme word 4 · 10 letters
TRANSITION
TRANSITION is a period of changing from one situation or phase to another, which can be smooth or challenging.
Spangram · 11 letters, top to bottom
FALLEQUINOX
FALLEQUINOX is the specific astronomical event marking the beginning of fall and spring, characterized by equal daylight and darkness.
This puzzle by the numbers
- Puzzle
- (#1123) · Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Theme answers
- 4 plus the spangram
- Board
- 6 × 8 letters
- Answer lengths
- 6–11 letters
- Spangram
- 11 letters, top to bottom
- Difficulty
- medium for a weekday board
- Valid non-theme words
- 1043 accepted for hints
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