NYT Strands Hints for October 5, 2026 — Puzzle #946

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

Hints and answers for NYT Strands #946 on October 5, 2026: the official clue, the spangram's length and first letter, how many theme words to find, then the spangram and the theme words behind a reveal.

Puzzle date: October 5, 2026 (2026-10-05) · #946 · Source: the game's public daily data (https://www.nytimes.com/svc/strands/v2/2026-10-05.json). Hints are derived from that day's verified answer data — no invented clues, difficulty scores or word claims.

1. The official clue

The puzzle's clue is Oh well, too bad, such a shame .

2. The spangram

The spangram is 11 letters long and starts with S.

3. How many theme words

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

4. The answers

Reveal spangram and theme words

SPANGRAM: SADTROMBONE

Theme words: ALAS, BOOHOO, BUMMER, SORRY, SUCKS, UNFORTUNATE

NYT Strands answer for October 5, 2026 — puzzle #946

SPANGRAM: SADTROMBONE. Theme words: ALAS, BOOHOO, BUMMER, SORRY, SUCKS, UNFORTUNATE.

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