Overview:
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Puzzle #943 of the NYT Strands focuses on covert and stealthy actions.
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The theme words illustrate how individuals behave when they attempt to stay unnoticed.
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Under the “On the sly” theme, the five answers are linked by the SNEAKINGAROUND spangram.
The NYT Strands game offers a fresh take on the classic word search by challenging players to uncover themed words within a letter grid. Every puzzle revolves around a shared concept, with the spangram serving as the unifying phrase for the theme words.
Hints for October 2, 2026
Strands #943 features the official clue “On the sly,” pointing to answers that capture ways people act to steer clear of attention. If you struggle to locate the words, consider vocabulary related to secret, sneaky, or dishonest actions. Certain answers focus on quiet movement, whereas others highlight tricky or untrustworthy behavior.
Also read: NYT Strands Hints, Answers for October 1, 2026 (Puzzle #942)
Opening Letters
The initial two letters for every theme word are:
CO DE FU SH ST
These pairs point directly toward familiar terms for sneaky or clandestine actions. Spotting just one answer makes uncovering the remaining ones significantly simpler. Players may also rely on the built-in NYT Strands hint mechanic if they find themselves stuck; the game exposes part of a theme word once a player uncovers three valid, non-theme words consisting of at least four letters each.
Also read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, Answers for September 30, 2026 (Puzzle #941)
Spangram
Today’s spangram is SNEAKINGAROUND.
Spanning 14 letters, this phrase captures the core concept of the puzzle: moving or acting covertly to escape notice. Every theme answer represents a specific behavior within that context. The spangram curves across vertical and horizontal pathways, touching two opposing sides of the game board.
Theme for Today
COVERT: Kept secret instead of being openly displayed or acknowledged. DEVIOUS: Employing tricks or dishonest tactics to achieve one’s goals. FURTIVE: Behaving in secret, frequently to escape detection. SHIFTY: Displaying an appearance or manner that appears untrustworthy or dishonest. STEALTHY: Proceeding quietly and cautiously to ensure no one notices.
Wrap Up
The October 2, 2026, NYT Strands puzzle explores sneaky actions through five key terms: COVERT, DEVIOUS, FURTIVE, SHIFTY, and STEALTHY. SNEAKINGAROUND acts as the spangram connecting them all. Grasping the theme makes completing the grid much more straightforward.
