Today’s Strands (game #578) leans into fragility. If you want a clean solve without too much hand-holding, start with the light hints below. If you’re just here for the words, jump to the full answers. You can play Strands on the New York Times Games site at nytimes.com/games/strands.

Strands #578 hints (no spoilers)

Item Details
Today’s theme The slightest touch …
Clue words (to trigger in-game hints) HALF, FLAG, TEAR, SWIM, GLARE, DITCH
Spangram length 14 letters
Spangram placement Runs vertically from the top (3rd column) to the bottom (3rd column)
Tester difficulty Moderate

Want a small nudge? Think adjectives for things that are light, airy, and easily damaged.

Strands #578 answers (spoilers)

Word Category
WISPY Theme
DAINTY Theme
GOSSAMER Theme
FRAGILE Theme
DELICATE Theme
HANDLEWITHCARE Spangram

Note: The spangram moves straight through the third column from top to bottom.

Yesterday’s Strands answers (Oct 1, #577)

Word Category
CLOWN Theme
JUGGLER Theme
ACROBAT Theme
CONTORTIONIST Theme
CIRCUSPERFORMERS Spangram

Quick refresher: how Strands works

  • The grid hides theme-linked words; use every letter by the end.
  • The spangram is a theme-defining word or phrase that touches two opposite sides of the board.
  • Find any non-theme words of four letters or more to earn in-game hints; every three valid words reveals one theme word.

If you’re keeping a streak alive, today’s grid rewards scanning for soft descriptors first, then threading the long spangram to unlock the rest.