September 14, 2026#925archive

NYT Strands — September 14, 2026

Hints — one at a time

Hint 1 of 5

Today's grid is full of reactions to something startling or surprising.

Hint 2 of 5

Every non-spangram word describes an involuntary response to shock or fright.

Hint 3 of 5

One entry means to suddenly stop moving from fear; another is a sudden intake of breath.

Hint 4 of 5

The spangram is the exclamation you'd blurt out when something catches you off guard.

Hint 5 of 5

Look for EXCLAIM, FREEZE, GASP, RECOIL, SHUDDER and START, all spanned by THATSSHOCKING.

Reveal the full answer

Theme

OH MY GOSH!!

Spangram

THATSSHOCKING

Theme words

EXCLAIM · FREEZE · GASP · RECOIL · SHUDDER · START

Counted from our own archive of NYT Strands answers — not published anywhere else.