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Strands #686 Answers – January 18, 2026

Updated

Hints and answers for NYT Strands #686, Sunday, January 18, 2026. Today's theme clue: “Soft skills”.

TLIHET
QUCOPL
TEXRPI
EATCAQ
VEITEU
RWLINK
EIEART
DORBME

No spoilers until you tap Reveal.

Strands #686 hints

Hint 1: number of theme words
There are six theme words plus the spangram.
Hint 2: spangram length
The spangram has 10 letters.
Hint 3: first letters of the theme words
A_______ · C______ · E________ · K___ · Q____ · W____
Hint 4: the spangram
TEXTILEART

Strands #686 answers

Show every theme word

Spangram: TEXTILEART

Theme words: APPLIQUE, CROCHET, EMBROIDER, KNIT, QUILT, WEAVE

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FAQ

What is the Strands spangram for January 18, 2026?

The spangram for Strands #686 is TEXTILEART.

What are the Strands answers for January 18, 2026?

APPLIQUE, CROCHET, EMBROIDER, KNIT, QUILT, WEAVE, with the spangram TEXTILEART.