New York Times Strands: Hints, Answers, and a Quick Guide for Game 746

New York Times Strands: Hints, Answers, and a Quick Guide for Game 746
source: gettyimages
March 18, 2026

Looking for a different day? A new NYT Strands puzzle drops at midnight in your time zone, so “today’s game” can differ from “yesterday’s” for some players. If you’re after Wednesday’s puzzle, you can find NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, March 18 (game #745). Strands is NYT’s latest word game, following Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Connections, and it’s a lot of fun—though it can be tricky, so read on for some hints. Spoiler alert: the information below reveals today’s solutions, so skip ahead if you don’t want the answers.

Today’s Strands (game #746) — theme, clues, and structure

Today's answers (game #746)

My quick take: the “bring a plate” theme points toward a buffet vibe. After initially hunting for a missing letter F, I found the spangram last as I circled the board. Starting from the end with DESSERT and moving to CASSEROLE helped me connect the theme. The puzzle is rated hard, and you’ll likely end up hungry as you play.

Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, March 18, game #745)

What is NYT Strands? Strands is NYT’s word game that sits alongside Wordle and Connections. It’s now a fully developed part of the NYT Games lineup and can be played on desktop or mobile via the NYT Games site. If you’re new to it, there’s a comprehensive guide with tips to help you solve the daily puzzles.

Author and background Marc is TechRadar’s Global Editor in Chief, with a long history in senior editorial roles across tech and media. He previously served as UK Editor in Chief at Tom’s Guide and has written for Stuff and NME. He’s based in London and enjoys photography, gaming, cycling, and exploring gadgets of all kinds.

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