NYT Strands Answer Today (#980) – 8 Nov 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 #980 (published 8 Nov 2026). One special word — the Spangram — spans the grid and ties the theme together.
Today’s Theme
Theme: Disciplined combat
General Hints
- This theme is all about structured ways people train to defend themselves and strike with precision.
- Several entries trace back to East Asian traditions that pair physical technique with a code of discipline.
- Think dojos, belts, and decades of codified practice — not a bar-room scuffle.
Spangram Length
The Spangram has 11 letters and is two words.
Spangram Orientation
The Spangram runs horizontally, touching the left and right sides of the grid as it weaves across several rows along the way.
Spangram First & Last Letters
Begins with M and ends with S.
Pattern preview (length-obscured): M___S
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: J___O
- Word 2: K___E
- Word 3: K___G
- Word 4: N___U
- Word 5: T___O
Spangram preview: M___S
Spangram
Click to reveal today’s Spangram
MARTIAL ARTS
Spangram Definition
Click to reveal the definition of the Spangram
MARTIAL ARTS — The broad category of codified fighting systems practiced for self-defense, sport, or personal discipline.
Example: “She’s practiced martial arts since childhood, moving between disciplines to round out her skills.”
Sample Words
Click to reveal two words from today’s solution
- KARATE
- TAEKWONDO
Full Solution
Click to reveal the complete answers
Theme: Disciplined combat
Spangram: MARTIAL ARTS
All words:
- JUDO
- KARATE
- KICKBOXING
- NINJUTSU
- TAEKWONDO
- MARTIAL ARTS (Spangram)
Definitions of All Words
Click to reveal definitions of today’s words
- JUDO — A Japanese martial art and Olympic sport built around throws and grappling to off-balance an opponent.
- KARATE — A striking-based martial art with roots in Okinawa that emphasizes punches, kicks, and open-hand techniques.
- KICKBOXING — A combat sport and fitness discipline that blends boxing punches with kicks.
- NINJUTSU — A traditional Japanese martial art historically linked to stealth, reconnaissance, and unconventional combat tactics.
- TAEKWONDO — A Korean martial art best known for its fast, high, and spinning kicking techniques.
- MARTIAL ARTS — The broad category of codified fighting systems practiced for self-defense, sport, or personal discipline.
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