NYT Strands Answer & Hints — March 9, 2026

NYT Strands · Puzzle #736 · March 9, 2026

“Cute enough to eat”

Today’s Hints & All Answers

Use the progressive hints to find all 6 theme words and the spangram — then tap Reveal All Answers when you’re ready for the spoiler.

🎯 #736 Puzzle No.

📝 6 Words Theme Words

⭐ ENDEARMENTS Spangram

🔤 4 – 8 Word Lengths

🕵️

Find Theme Words Connect letters in any direction — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Each letter can only be used once per word, and every letter on the board must be used exactly once overall.

⭐

Spot the Spangram The spangram is a special word or phrase that spans the entire grid, touching two opposite sides. It captures the puzzle’s central theme and is highlighted in yellow when found.

💡

Use Hints Find any non-theme word of 4+ letters three times to unlock a hint that highlights the letters of one theme word. Use sparingly to protect your streak!

Hints

No spoilers — progressively specific

Today’s theme is “Cute enough to eat” — think about the sweet, food-named nicknames we give to people we absolutely adore.

Theme

All 6 theme words are terms of endearment — affectionate pet names based on foods that also sound irresistibly cute and sweet.

Category

Word lengths range from 4 to 8 letters. Think of the cuddly nicknames parents call babies, or partners use with each other.

Structure

One word is a round orange autumn vegetable — also a popular Halloween decoration — that doubles as a sweet nickname for a chubby-cheeked child.

Word Clue

One word is a small, bite-sized baked treat — often blueberry or chocolate chip — the kind you might call a tiny baby or a small, round-faced toddler.

Word Clue

One word is a small Chinese steamed or fried dumpling — and also an extremely cute nickname for a chubby little one with irresistible squeezable cheeks.

Word Clue

All six theme words: PUMPKIN · NUGGET · BEAN · MUFFIN · DUMPLING · PEANUT

All Words

Spangram

Spans the full grid · highlighted yellow in-game

Spangram ENDEARMENTS Words or phrases expressing affection and love — the thread connecting all 6 theme words. Each answer is a food-based term of endearment used to call someone adorable: Pumpkin, Nugget, Bean, Muffin, Dumpling, and Peanut.

Theme Words

Tap “Reveal All” below to unblur

PUMPKIN

7 letters · P-U-M-P-K-I-N

A classic term of endearment — “my little pumpkin” — often used for round, rosy-cheeked babies and young children. The word evokes autumn warmth, cosy comfort, and something almost too adorable to contain.

NUGGET

6 letters · N-U-G-G-E-T

An endearment for something small, precious, and bite-sized — like a golden little treasure. Often used for tiny babies or toddlers who are just the most perfect little morsels imaginable.

BEAN

4 letters · B-E-A-N

A sweet nickname for a tiny, compact little person — often a newborn or small baby. “Jelly bean” is a common variant. The term captures someone small, sweet, and just impossibly dear.

MUFFIN

6 letters · M-U-F-F-I-N

A beloved pet name evoking something soft, round, warm, and freshly baked — the perfect word for a baby with chubby cheeks and an irresistible sweetness. Warm, comforting, and delightful.

DUMPLING

8 letters · D-U-M-P-L-I-N-G

An endearment rooted in Chinese cuisine — used for someone small, round, and utterly squeezable. “Little dumpling” is the perfect nickname for a plump, precious baby with the most pinchable cheeks.

PEANUT

6 letters · P-E-A-N-U-T

An affectionate nickname for someone small but full of personality — a tiny little thing who punches above their weight in cuteness. Often used for petite babies, small children, or anyone with a big spirit in a little body.

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