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NYT Strands game #958 for Saturday, October 17, 2026, uses the theme “Quite the crush.” The six theme answers are BABBLE, BLUSH, FIDGET, GIGGLE, PERSPIRE and STUMBLE. Its spangram is FALLINLOVE.
The hints below reveal the puzzle in stages, so stop before the answer section if you want to keep solving.
Theme hint for Strands #958
“Quite the crush” points to flustered habits and physical reactions associated with infatuation. Look for words describing what someone might do or experience when nervous around a romantic interest.
Progressive hints
Hint 1: word types
- Several answers are nervous, involuntary reactions.
- One answer describes talking too much or incoherently.
- Another describes an awkward loss of balance.
- The longest entry identifies the theme across the board.
Hint 2: answer lengths and initials
There are six regular theme words plus one spangram:
- B (5 letters)
- B (5 letters)
- F (6 letters)
- G (6 letters)
- P (8 letters)
- S (7 letters)
- FALLINLOVE (10 letters, spangram)
Strands #958 answers
The complete set is listed below. The first six entries are regular theme words; the final entry is the yellow spangram.
| Type | Answer | How it fits the theme |
|---|---|---|
| Theme word | BABBLE | Talk rapidly or incoherently when flustered. |
| Theme word | BLUSH | Show a visible flush from embarrassment or excitement. |
| Theme word | FIDGET | Make small restless movements. |
| Theme word | GIGGLE | Laugh in a nervous or silly way. |
| Theme word | PERSPIRE | Sweat as a bodily reaction to nervousness. |
| Theme word | STUMBLE | Lose balance or make an awkward misstep. |
| Spangram | FALLINLOVE | States the idea connecting all six theme words. |
What is the spangram for October 17?
The spangram is FALLINLOVE. In Strands, a spangram summarizes the puzzle’s theme, touches both the left and right edges of the board, and is highlighted in yellow when found.
Rank #2
How NYT Strands works
Each puzzle uses a 6×8 letter grid. You can trace letters in any direction, including diagonally, but each letter may be used only once in a word and paths cannot cross. Theme answers appear in light blue after you find them. Once the full set is solved, every letter in the grid has been used exactly once.
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Using an in-game hint
- Find any three words that are not part of the theme and contain at least four letters.
- Those words earn one hint in the game.
- Use the hint to reveal the letters of one theme answer, then trace that answer on the grid.
Non-theme words do not belong in the final answer list, but they are useful for unlocking assistance when the board is difficult.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick answer recap
For Saturday, October 17, 2026, Strands #958 is themed “Quite the crush”. The regular answers are BABBLE, BLUSH, FIDGET, GIGGLE, PERSPIRE and STUMBLE, with FALLINLOVE as the spangram.
Quick Recap
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