NYT Strands Hints, Answers & Spangram for Jan 21 (#689)

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Jan. 21 (#689)

Need help with today’s NYT Strands? Puzzle No. 689, released on January 21, 2026, has a playful theme centered on rude or impolite behavior—the kind of antics you might associate with Bart Simpson. Some of the words are long and twisty, so below you’ll find spoiler-safe hints, all confirmed answers, and the spangram path to finish the grid cleanly.

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🧩 Today’s Strands Theme

Theme: That’s not very polite.
Extra clue: Bad behavior

All theme answers describe actions that are socially rude, disruptive, or inconsiderate.

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🔓 Clue Words to Unlock In-Game Hints

To unlock theme words, find three valid words of four letters or more anywhere on the grid. These examples work (any valid ones will):

BATE, RATE, PATE, SATE, GATE,
LOAD, GOLD, RATS, STAR, RUIN, RUINED,
PURR, SEAT

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✅ Answers for Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle

These are the non-spangram theme words hidden in the grid:

• BURP
• GLOAT
• STARE
• POINT
• SHOUT
• TEASE
• INTERRUPT

Each one fits the idea of impolite or annoying behavior.

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⭐ Today’s Strands Spangram

Spangram: DONTBERUDE

How to find it:
Start with the D that’s three letters from the right on the top row, then wind downward through the grid. Once the spangram is complete, every remaining letter on the board will be used.

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🧠 Strands Solving Tips

• When the theme hints at behavior, think verbs, not nouns
• Longer words like INTERRUPT often curve across multiple rows
• Unlock hints early to avoid getting stuck on spelling
• The spangram usually states the theme’s message directly

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is today’s NYT Strands theme?

The Jan. 21, 2026 theme is “That’s not very polite.”

What is the spangram for today’s Strands puzzle?

The spangram is DONTBERUDE.

How many theme words are in today’s puzzle?

There are seven theme words, plus one spangram.

How do you unlock hints in NYT Strands?

Find three valid words of four letters or more anywhere on the grid.