Today’s Strands puzzle is all about bravery — and if you’re feeling stuck, you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find a layered set of hints, from gentle nudges all the way to the full answer list, so you can choose exactly how much help you want.
What Is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is the New York Times’ elevated spin on the classic word-search format. Instead of simply finding words in a grid, every single letter on the board must be used — no leftover tiles. Words can run in any direction and even change direction mid-word, creating zigzag shapes that keep you on your toes.
Each puzzle has a hidden theme linking all the answers together. There’s also a special word or phrase called the spangram — it encapsulates the day’s theme and stretches all the way across the grid, either horizontally or vertically. Cracking the spangram first is often the fastest route to solving the rest of the board.
Today’s Theme Hint
The theme clue for April 21, 2026 is: “Risky business.”
If that’s not enough, here’s a plain-English nudge: today’s words all describe a certain type of person — someone who isn’t afraid to take chances. Think courage, fearlessness, and a willingness to leap before you look.
Spangram Hint — Direction Only
Not ready for the full spangram? Here’s your directional clue:
Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
Spangram Answer
Today’s spangram is: DAREDEVILS
DAREDEVILS runs vertically across the board and ties the entire puzzle together perfectly — it’s the ultimate label for people who court danger and thrive on it. Every other answer in the grid is a word you might use to describe a daredevil.
All Word Answers for April 21, 2026
Here is the complete word list for today’s Strands puzzle:
- ADVENTUROUS
- GUTSY
- COURAGEOUS
- INTREPID
- BOLD
- DAREDEVILS (spangram)
Full Summary — How All Words Connect to the Theme
Today’s puzzle celebrates the language of bravery, and every answer earns its place. DAREDEVILS anchors the theme as the spangram — a daredevil is someone who courts danger for the thrill of it, and all five regular answers describe that same spirit from different angles.
BOLD is the simplest and most direct of the bunch — it suggests a willingness to act without hesitation or fear. GUTSY carries that same energy but with a more informal, street-level feel; it implies someone who has the stomach for difficult situations. COURAGEOUS elevates the tone, pointing to a moral or heroic quality — the courage to do the right thing even when it’s dangerous.
INTREPID and ADVENTUROUS round out the theme with a sense of motion and exploration. An intrepid person faces fear head-on without flinching, while adventurous people actively seek out new and risky experiences rather than just tolerating them. Together, these five words build a vivid portrait of the fearless risk-taker at the heart of today’s puzzle.
More NYT Strands Answers
Looking for hints from recent Strands puzzles? Check out these past answers:
- “Catch the Light” — April 20, 2026 NYT Strands Hints and Answers
- “There I Fixed It” — April 19, 2026 NYT Strands Hints and Answers
- “Shell Company” — April 17, 2026 NYT Strands Hints and Answers
More Daily Puzzle Help
Need answers for other games today? We’ve got you covered:
- April 20, 2026 Wordle #1766 Hint and Answer
- April 20, 2026 NYT Connections Puzzle #1044 Hints and Answers
- April 20, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
Shahid Maqsood is a digital entrepreneur and SEO specialist focused on building engaging web experiences. He is the creator of DotWordle, combining creativity with smart, user-friendly design.
