Today's NYT Strands puzzle is themed around twisting, winding shapes — and with the first day of spring landing today, it's a fittingly spirited puzzle to mark the season. Here are all the hints and the full answer list for March 20, 2026.
What Is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is the New York Times' elevated word-search game. Find themed words by connecting letters in any direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonally — and every letter in the grid must be used. Each puzzle has a spangram: a word or phrase that captures the day's theme and spans the entire grid from one side to the other: "Spring Fever"
The words are all related to spiral and twisting shapes. Think about curved, coiling forms you might find in nature, design, or everyday objects.
Spangram Hint
- Horizontal or vertical? Vertical
NYT Strands Spangram Answer — March 20, 2026
The spangram for today is: TWISTANDTURN
This phrase perfectly captures the theme — all the answers are words that describe things that twist, wind, or coil in some way.
NYT Strands Word List — March 20, 2026
All answers for today's puzzle:
- COIL
- GYRE
- HELIX
- SPIRAL
- CURLICUE
- CORKSCREW
Full Puzzle Answers Summary
Today's theme revolves around spiral and twisting shapes. The spangram TWISTANDTURN ties together six words that all describe winding, coiling forms. HELIX is the scientific term for a three-dimensional spiral — the same shape as DNA. CURLICUE refers to a decorative curling flourish often seen in calligraphy and design. CORKSCREW captures that tight, drilling spiral motion perfectly, while GYRE — a more poetic or scientific term — describes a circular ocean current or sweeping vortex.
For yesterday's puzzle, see our "It Follows." March 18, 2026 NYT Strands hints and answers. You can also browse our archive starting with the "Happy Saint Patrick's Day!" March 17, 2026 Strands answers.