Strands · No. 954 · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

NYT Strands #954 hints and answers

Today’s theme clue is “Well, this is awkward”. Hints for the theme and the spangram, one step at a time.

By DailyWordHint editors · Puzzle for Tuesday, October 13, 2026 · Puzzle by Tracy Bennett for The New York Times

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0 of 6 theme words found

Today’s themeWell, this is awkward

Every 3 non-theme words you find earn a hint.

0 of 8 hints used

The theme5 words

NudgeReveal nudge

Five verbs that do damage to someone else's composure

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HintReveal hint

All transitive verbs, several formal or literary, for causing shame, dismay, or blank confusion in another person.

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One wordReveal one word

One theme word: EMBARRASS

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AnswerReveal answer

Theme words: APPALL, CHAGRIN, EMBARRASS, MORTIFY, NONPLUS

The spangramTouches two sides

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Scroll back far enough through your own old posts

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HintReveal hint

An informal modern adjective of internet critique, applied to resurfaced videos, bad jokes, and school talent shows.

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One wordReveal one word

C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Y (12 letters)

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AnswerReveal answer

CRINGEWORTHY

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