{
  "id": 12756269,
  "title": "Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, Oct. 8, #949",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/todays-nyt-strands-hints-spangram-and-answers-for-thursday-oct-8-949",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T01:00:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNET",
    "slug": "cnet",
    "url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-nyt-strands-hints-spangram-and-answers-for-thursday-oct-8-949/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Today's NYT Strands puzzle offers a unique challenge as players search for words that fit the puzzle's theme of \"A star is born.\" The expert staff behind Strands provides hints to guide players towards finding hidden words. To get started, focus on people whose autograph they might request and think of words that describe them.\n\nAs you work through the puzzle, keep an eye out for words that are four letters or longer. Whenever you find three such words, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These words include nonspangram answers that will help you progress in the game.\n\nThe spangram in today's Strands puzzle is LUMINARY, a word that connects from one side of the board to the other. To locate LUMINARY, begin at the letter L, which is five letters down on the far-left row of the puzzle grid. From there, trace the word up and then down.\n\nThe goal of the puzzle is to find all the theme words, including the spangram, while using every letter on the board. Initially, it was believed that there were always eight nonspangram answers, but it was later discovered that the number can vary. So, keep exploring and uncovering words until the entire board is filled with the answers to the Strands puzzle.",
  "summary": "Need a Strands hint today? Get the theme hint, the spangram and every answer for NYT Strands No. 949 on Thursday, Oct. 8.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}