NYT Strands Answer Today (#949) – 8 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 #949 (published 8 Oct 2026). One special word — the Spangram — spans the grid and ties the theme together.
Today’s Theme
Theme: A Star Is Born
General Hints
- Today’s grid is all about being widely known — think red carpets and marquee names.
- The spangram describes someone whose name lights up a marquee and guides others by example.
- Every other word in the grid is a synonym for having a big reputation or being held in high regard.
Spangram Length
The Spangram has 8 letters and is one word.
Spangram Orientation
The Spangram runs horizontal, touching the left and right sides of the grid.
Spangram First & Last Letters
Begins with L and ends with Y.
Pattern preview (length-obscured): L___Y
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: F___E
- Word 2: C___Y
- Word 3: R___E
- Word 4: A___M
- Word 5: R___N
- Word 6: E___E
Spangram preview: L___Y
Spangram
Click to reveal today’s Spangram
LUMINARY
Spangram Definition
Click to reveal the definition of the Spangram
LUMINARY — a person of great talent, influence, or achievement who inspires others and stands out in their field.
Example: “The retired astronaut became a luminary in the field of space exploration, mentoring the next generation of scientists.”
Sample Words
Click to reveal two words from today’s solution
- FAME
- ACCLAIM
Full Solution
Click to reveal the complete answers
Theme: A Star Is Born
Spangram: LUMINARY
All words:
- FAME
- CELEBRITY
- REPUTE
- ACCLAIM
- RENOWN
- EMINENCE
- LUMINARY (Spangram)
Definitions of All Words
Click to reveal definitions of today’s words
- FAME — widespread recognition or notoriety, often earned through notable achievement or public visibility.
- CELEBRITY — a person who is widely recognized by the public, typically for work in entertainment or culture.
- REPUTE — the general standing or reputation a person or thing holds in the eyes of others.
- ACCLAIM — enthusiastic public praise given in recognition of an achievement.
- RENOWN — the state of being widely known and admired for skill or accomplishment.
- EMINENCE — a position of great distinction or standing within a particular field.
- LUMINARY — a person of great talent, influence, or achievement who inspires others and stands out in their field.
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