Strands hint for October 11, 2026

The puzzle for Sunday, October 11, 2026. Every hint is hidden until you open it, so take only the nudge you need.

Theme clue

“They don't make 'em like they used to”

Hints, from gentle to full answers

Hint 1Theme nudgeShowHide
The clue is "They don't make 'em like they used to". 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.
Hint 2Word count and lengthsShowHide
There are 5 theme words plus the spangram, and together they use every letter on the board.
Theme word lengths: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
The spangram has 12 letters.
Hint 3First lettersShowHide
The theme words start with: I (6), I (7), P (5), T (8), T (10). The number in brackets is the word's length.
Hint 4Spangram first and last lettersShowHide
The spangram starts with O and ends with D.
SpoilerReveal one theme wordShowHide
The longest theme word is TYPEWRITER.
SpoilerReveal the spangramShowHide
The spangram is OLDFASHIONED.
SpoilerReveal all the answersShowHide
Spangram: OLDFASHIONED.
Theme words: ICEBOX, INKWELL, PAGER, TELEGRAM, TYPEWRITER.