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Need a nudge on the Saturday, October 3, 2026 NYT Strands puzzle? Its theme is “A figment of your imagination.” Start with the spoiler-light clues below; the complete word list and spangram are farther down.
Hints for the October 3 Strands puzzle
- Think of something that seems real but is imagined or unreal.
- Look for words tied to illusions, mirages, imagined creatures, and ghostly figures.
- The spangram names a folklore light said to mislead travelers in marshy places.
For general solving tactics, try scanning diagonals as well as rows, then build outward from any word you find. If you are stuck, consider synonyms connected to the theme. In Strands, finding non-theme words can help unlock hints; the game is available through NYT Games.
Theme and puzzle details
This is Strands puzzle #944, dated Saturday, October 3, 2026. The theme, “A figment of your imagination,” connects the answers through unreal appearances, imagined beings, and apparitions.
Answers for October 3, 2026
Spoilers below: Stop here if you want to solve the board before seeing the answers.
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Theme words
- CHIMERA
- ILLUSION
- MIRAGE
- PHANTASM
- SPECTER
Spangram
WILLOTHEWISP — conventionally written “will-o’-the-wisp,” the folklore term for a deceptive light.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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