Friday, January 16, 2026 · Strands No. 684
Today’s NYT Strands heads straight into comic-book territory with a theme that will feel instantly familiar to DC fans. In Puzzle #684, the grid pulls from Gotham’s orbit — mixing iconic names with a couple of words that point to the crusader’s look and the ideals he represents.
Below you’ll find spoiler-light hints for each theme word, followed by the spangram (the long word that ties the puzzle together) and the complete solution.
Today’s Theme
DC crusader
Think one hero — then branch out to the names, symbols, and concepts most closely linked to him.
Spoiler-Light Hints for All 8 Theme Words
- Hint 1: The crusader at the center of Gotham’s story.
- Hint 2: His best-known partner and sidekick.
- Hint 3: A villain synonymous with chaos and a grin.
- Hint 4: A crime boss associated with birds and umbrellas.
- Hint 5: A wardrobe piece that instantly signals the hero.
- Hint 6: A driving force often tied to his origin and mission.
- Hint 7: The ideal he’s determined to deliver in Gotham.
- Hint 8: The estate connected to his secret identity.
Tip: This one isn’t only about character names — a couple of answers point to what the crusader wears and what he stands for.
Spangram (Puzzle Paradigm)
Click to reveal the spangram
BATMAN
The spangram anchors the theme and points directly to the DC crusader at the heart of today’s puzzle.
NYT Strands Answers for January 16, 2026
Click to reveal all theme words
BATMAN — The Dark Knight himself (spangram)
ROBIN — Batman’s longtime partner
JOKER — Gotham’s agent of chaos
PENGUIN — The umbrella-linked crime boss
CAPE — A signature part of Batman’s look
VENGEANCE — A defining driver of the crusader’s mission
JUSTICE — The ideal he’s pursuing in Gotham
MANOR — As in Wayne Manor
NYT Strands resets daily at midnight local time. Check back tomorrow for a new theme, fresh hints, and the next full solution.
You can play today’s Strands puzzle directly on the official New York Times Strands page, where a new grid and theme are released each day.
