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Strands hint for August 14, 2026

The puzzle for Friday, August 14, 2026. Every hint is hidden until you open it, so take only the nudge you need.

Theme clue

“Discovered by accident”

Hints, from gentle to full answers

  1. Hint 1Theme nudgeShow

    The clue is "Discovered by accident". Every theme word fits it, and the spangram names the idea behind it.

    It stretches from the top edge of the board to the bottom edge.

  2. Hint 2Word count and lengthsShow

    There are 5 theme words plus the spangram, and together they use every letter on the board.

    Theme word lengths: 6, 6, 7, 9, 10.

    The spangram has 10 letters.

  3. Hint 3First lettersShow

    The theme words start with: M (9), P (10), P (7), S (6), V (6). The number in brackets is the word's length.

  4. Hint 4Spangram first and last lettersShow

    The spangram starts with I and ends with S.

  5. SpoilerReveal one theme wordShow

    The longest theme word is PENICILLIN.

  6. SpoilerReveal the spangramShow

    The spangram is INVENTIONS.

  7. SpoilerReveal all the answersShow

    Spangram: INVENTIONS.

    Theme words: MICROWAVE, PENICILLIN, PLASTIC, SLINKY, VELCRO.