NYT Strands Answers, Spangram for January 29, 2026 (#697)

Stuck on the New York Times Strands puzzle for Thursday, January 29? Here’s your complete guide with hints, theme explanation, clue words to unlock hints, and full answers—including the spangram—to help you solve it quickly and keep your streak alive.

Today’s NYT Strands Theme

Talk of the town

This theme points to people who generate buzz and public attention. Think big names everyone discusses.

Extra hint: What a legend — or the reason someone becomes famous (their “claim to fame”).

The words describe types of famous or highly regarded people.

Clue Words to Unlock In-Game Hints

Finding any three words of four letters or more reveals a hint letter in the theme words. Here are some safe words that work (four+ letters):

• ROIL
• CLAIM
• RARE
• HELP
• PEAR
• PEARS
• MORE
• COIN
• SPEAR
• SPEARS
• REPEL
• PLEA
• STAIR
• FORT
• REAL

Any valid four-letter+ word counts toward hints, so keep hunting non-theme words if stuck.

Today’s NYT Strands Answers (Theme Words)

These are the words that fit the theme “Talk of the town”:

• HERO
• ICON
• CELEBRITY
• SUPERSTAR
• PERSONALITY

All letters on the board will be used once you find these plus the spangram.

Today’s Strands Spangram

CLAIMTOFAME (or “CLAIM TO FAME”)

This is the key spanning word that ties everything together—it’s the reason people become the talk of the town. It typically snakes vertically or winds from top to bottom (often starting with a C near the top row and moving downward).

Once you find the spangram, it often clarifies the theme even more.

Quick solve tip: Start by looking for longer words like SUPERSTAR or CELEBRITY in corners or clusters, then hunt the spangram path.

Strands #697 is rated as easy to medium by most solvers—broad theme but straightforward once the fame connection clicks.

For more daily puzzles, check NYT Games for Strands, Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword. Good luck, and happy solving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is today’s NYT Strands theme?

Today’s theme is “Talk of the town”, focusing on famous or widely admired people.

What is the Strands spangram for Jan. 29, 2026?

The spangram is CLAIM TO FAME.

How many answers are in today’s Strands puzzle?

Today’s puzzle includes five theme words plus one spangram, but the total number can vary daily.

How do you unlock hints in NYT Strands?

Find three words with at least four letters anywhere on the board to unlock a theme hint.

Is NYT Strands harder than Wordle?

Strands is more theme-based and exploratory, making it trickier for some players compared to Wordle’s single-word format.