NYT Strands Answer Today (#981) – 9 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 #981 (published 9 Nov 2026). One special word — the Spangram — spans the grid and ties the theme together.
Today’s Theme
Theme: Idle chatter
General Hints
- This puzzle’s vibe is basically a coffee break that never got around to ordering coffee.
- Several entries describe talking just to pass the time, no deep subject required.
- The spangram is essentially a longer, more laid-back cousin of every other word on this board.
Spangram Length
The Spangram has 14 letters and is three words.
Spangram Orientation
The Spangram runs horizontal, touching the left and right sides of the grid.
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
- B___R (6 letters)
- C___G (7 letters)
- G___T (7 letters)
- G___P (6 letters)
- S___E (8 letters)
Spangram preview: S___E
Spangram
Click to reveal today’s Spangram
SHOOT THE BREEZE
Spangram Definition
Click to reveal the definition of the Spangram
SHOOT THE BREEZE — To talk casually and at length with no particular goal or urgency in mind..
Example: “We ended up on the porch for an hour just shooting the breeze about nothing important.”
Sample Words
Click to reveal two words from today’s solution
- BANTER
- GOSSIP
Full Solution
Click to reveal the complete answers
Theme: Idle chatter
Spangram: SHOOT THE BREEZE
All words:
- BANTER
- CHINWAG
- GABFEST
- GOSSIP
- SCHMOOZE
- SHOOT THE BREEZE (Spangram)
Definitions of All Words
Click to reveal definitions of today’s words
- BANTER — Playful, teasing conversation exchanged between people who are comfortable with each other..
- CHINWAG — Informal slang, mostly British, for a long, relaxed chat about nothing in particular..
- GABFEST — A casual, free-flowing conversation among a group that tends to run long..
- GOSSIP — Informal talk about other people’s personal business, not always confirmed as true..
- SCHMOOZE — To chat in a warm, ingratiating way, often with someone whose favor you want..
- SHOOT THE BREEZE — To talk casually and at length with no particular goal or urgency in mind..
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