NYT Strands Hints for August 18, 2026 — Puzzle #898

A letter grid with themed words and a spangram. Hints give the official clue, then the shape.

Hints and answers for NYT Strands #898 on August 18, 2026: the official clue, the spangram's length and first letter, then the theme words, then the whole board — nothing is spoiled until you reveal it.

Puzzle date: August 18, 2026 (2026-08-18) · #898 · Source: the official puzzle feed (official NYT feed), retrieved . Hints are derived from the official answer data — no invented clues, difficulty scores or word claims.

1. The official clue

The puzzle's clue is Fool me once ....

2. The spangram

The spangram is 9 letters long and starts with C.

3. How many theme words

There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram.

4. The answers

Reveal spangram and theme words

SPANGRAM: CHARLATAN

Theme words: BAMBOOZLE, BILK, DECEIVE, DUPE, HOODWINK, MISLEAD

NYT Strands answer for August 18, 2026 — puzzle #898

SPANGRAM: CHARLATAN. Theme words: BAMBOOZLE, BILK, DECEIVE, DUPE, HOODWINK, MISLEAD.

Frequently asked questions

The official clue

The puzzle's clue is Fool me once ....

The spangram

The spangram is 9 letters long and starts with C.

How many theme words

There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram.

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