Strands hint for October 22, 2026

Hints, from gentle to full answers

1. Hint 1Theme nudgeShowHide

   The clue is "Any relation?". Every theme word fits it, and the spangram names the idea behind it.

   It touches all four edges of the board.

2. 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, 7, 8, 9, 9.

   The spangram has 10 letters.

3. Hint 3First lettersShowHide

   The theme words start with: A (9), B (5), B (8), K (7), O (9). The number in brackets is the word's length.

4. Hint 4Spangram first and last lettersShowHide

   The spangram starts with F and ends with S.

5. SpoilerReveal one theme wordShowHide

   The longest theme word is ANCESTORS.

6. SpoilerReveal the spangramShowHide

   The spangram is FAMILYTIES.

7. SpoilerReveal all the answersShowHide

   Spangram: FAMILYTIES.

   Theme words: ANCESTORS, BLOOD, BRETHREN, KINFOLK, OFFSPRING.