NYT Strands Answer Today (#946) – 5 Oct 2026 Solution & Hints
- About Today’s Strands
- Today’s Theme
- General Hints
- Spangram Length
- Spangram Orientation
- Spangram First & Last Letters
- First & Last Letters of All Words
- Spangram (Click to Reveal)
- Spangram Definition (Click to Reveal)
- Sample Words (Click to Reveal)
- Full Solution (Click to Reveal)
- Definitions of All Words (Click to Reveal)
About Today’s Strands
Puzzle #946 (published October 5, 2026). One special word — the Spangram — spans the grid and ties the theme together.
Today’s Theme
Theme: Oh well, too bad, such a shame
General Hints
- This set is all about expressing disappointment when something doesn’t go your way.
- Imagine the sound effect a comedy show plays right after a joke falls flat.
- Everything here is something you might mutter right after hearing a bit of bad news.
Spangram Length
The Spangram has 11 letters and is one word.
Spangram Orientation
The Spangram runs from the bottom of the grid up toward the top, shifting across a couple of columns along the way rather than sitting in a single straight row or column.
Spangram First & Last Letters
Begins with S and ends with E.
Pattern preview (length-obscured): S___E
Note: We always display first/last letters as X___Y with three underscores, regardless of true length.
First & Last Letters of All Words
- WORD 1: A___S
- WORD 2: B___O
- WORD 3: B___R
- WORD 4: S___Y
- WORD 5: S___S
- WORD 6: U___E
Spangram preview: S___E
Spangram
Click to reveal today’s Spangram
SADTROMBONE
Spangram Definition
Click to reveal the definition of the Spangram
SADTROMBONE — A slang term for the classic descending “wah-wah” sound effect used to punctuate a letdown or failed attempt..
Example: “He tripped over his own shoelace mid-victory-lap — cue the sadtrombone.”
Sample Words
Click to reveal two words from today’s solution
- ALAS
- BUMMER
Full Solution
Click to reveal the complete answers
Theme: Oh well, too bad, such a shame
Spangram: SADTROMBONE
All words:
- ALAS
- BOOHOO
- BUMMER
- SORRY
- SUCKS
- UNFORTUNATE
- SADTROMBONE (Spangram)
Definitions of All Words
Click to reveal definitions of today’s words
- ALAS — An interjection used to express grief, pity, or regret.
- BOOHOO — An informal, mocking way to describe exaggerated crying or complaining.
- BUMMER — A disappointing or frustrating turn of events.
- SORRY — A word used to express regret or sympathy for someone’s misfortune.
- SUCKS — Informal slang for being thoroughly unpleasant or disappointing.
- UNFORTUNATE — Marked by bad luck or an undesirable outcome.
- SADTROMBONE — A slang term for the classic descending “wah-wah” sound effect used to punctuate a letdown or failed attempt.
Want more? Check out our latest posts:
Play the official NYT games on the
NYT site.
