New York Times
STRANDS
Hints & Answers Guide
Monday, March 9, 2026
Play NYT Strands
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
01
Today’s theme is “Cute enough to eat” — think about the sweet, food-named nicknames we give to people we absolutely adore.
Theme
02
All 6 theme words are terms of endearment — affectionate pet names based on foods that also sound irresistibly cute and sweet.
Category
03
Word lengths range from 4 to 8 letters. Think of the cuddly nicknames parents call babies, or partners use with each other.
Structure
04
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
05
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
06
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
07
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.
More March 9 Puzzles
Wordle #1724
Wordle Answer & Hints
6 spoiler-free hints plus the full answer for today’s NYT Wordle puzzle #1724 — Monday, March 9, 2026.
Read More →
Bandle
Bandle Answer & Hints
All 6 instrument layers and full song answer for today’s Bandle puzzle — Monday, March 9, 2026.
Read More →
Globle
Globle Answer & Hints
Spoiler-free geography hints and the full country answer for today’s Globle puzzle — Monday, March 9, 2026.
Read More →
