Today’s NYT Strands puzzle (May 26) is all about body language. And honestly, it’s kind of fun when you figure out the vibe they’re going for. You’re not just hunting random words—these ones are tied to how we express ourselves without saying a word. You know, stuff like how we nod, wave, or even give a handshake. It makes you think about how much we actually “say” without talking. If you're into puzzles with a bit of meaning behind them, this one definitely delivers.
Spangram of the Day
The big word connecting everything today is "gestures". Makes sense, right? That one word sort of brings all the other clues together. It’s one of those answers that, once you see it, you go, “Ohhh of course.” So if you're stuck, that might be the one to look out for first—it can really help unlock the rest.
Other Words in the Grid
Once you know the theme, the rest of the words come into focus. They’re all stuff we do to show feelings or respect without saying anything. Here are some of the answers from today:
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Salute – usually in the military or to show respect
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Shrug – when you're not sure or don’t care
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Namaste – a respectful greeting, mostly used in Indian culture
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Handshake – classic way to say hello or seal a deal
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Curtsey – kind of an old-school polite bow
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Kowtow – a deep bow showing obedience or respect
It’s cool how all these tiny actions say so much. Once you spot a few, the rest gets easier.
Quick Tips if You’re Stuck
If you’re staring at the grid feeling lost, don’t stress. Happens to the best of us. A few things that help:
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Start with short, familiar words
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Try to guess the Spangram early—it really does make the rest fall into place
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Think about types of greetings or ways we show respect, those ideas help guide your guesses
Honestly, some puzzles are easier than others, and today’s wasn’t too bad once you got into the rhythm.
A Look Back at May 25’s Puzzle
In case you missed it, yesterday’s puzzle had a very different vibe. The theme was “Get out the dust buster!” and the Spangram was springcleaning. That one was all about tidying up. Words like donate, declutter, and reorganize made an appearance. Definitely a satisfying puzzle if you’re into cleaning or just the idea of a fresh start.
