Today's NYT Strands Hints and Answers
Welcome to our daily Strands hints page! NYT Strands is one of the newest additions to the New York Times puzzle games lineup. If you're stuck on today's Strands puzzle, our progressive hints will help you find the spangram and all theme words without completely spoiling the answers.
Strands was introduced by the New York Times in March 2024 and quickly became a fan favorite. Unlike traditional word searches, Strands requires you to find themed words that connect adjacent letters in a 6x8 grid, with a special "spangram" that spans the entire board.
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is a themed word-finding puzzle where you need to:
- Find the Spangram: A key word that spans from one edge of the board to the opposite edge, revealing the theme
- Find Theme Words: Words related to the theme, formed by connecting adjacent letters
- Use Every Letter: Each letter in the grid is used exactly once
- Earn Hints: Finding non-theme words (at least 4 letters) earns hints
How to Find the Spangram
The spangram is crucial - it reveals the puzzle's theme and spans the entire board. Here's how to find it:
- Read the Theme Clue: The clue at the top hints at what the spangram might be
- Look at Edges: The spangram must connect two opposite edges (left-right or top-bottom)
- Think Thematically: The spangram usually summarizes or represents the overall theme
- Count Letters: Spangrams are typically 7-12 letters long to span the grid
Strands Strategy Guide
Master Strands with these proven strategies:
- Find the Spangram First: It reveals the theme and makes other words easier to find
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words often start or end with common combinations
- Consider Word Length: Theme words are usually 4-8 letters
- Use Non-Theme Words: If stuck, find any valid words to earn hints
- Work from Corners: Corner letters have fewer connection options
Common Strands Themes
Strands puzzles often feature these theme categories:
- Food & Drinks: Types of cuisine, ingredients, beverages
- Professions: Jobs, careers, occupations
- Places: Countries, cities, landmarks
- Pop Culture: Movies, TV shows, celebrities
- Nature: Animals, plants, weather
- Activities: Sports, hobbies, games
Frequently Asked Questions
A spangram is a special word in Strands that spans from one edge of the board to the opposite edge. It's highlighted in yellow when found and reveals the puzzle's theme. Finding the spangram first makes the rest of the puzzle easier.
Each Strands puzzle has one spangram plus 5-8 theme words, depending on the puzzle. Together, they use every letter in the 6x8 grid exactly once.
Finding valid words (4+ letters) that aren't theme words earns you hint points. Every 3 non-theme words reveals one letter of a theme word, helping you when you're stuck.
No, each letter in the Strands grid is used exactly once across all theme words and the spangram. This is why finding words "locks in" those letters.
NYT Strands resets daily at midnight Eastern Time. Our hints page updates shortly after with today's Strands hints, spangram, and theme words.
In the official game, find non-theme words (4+ letters) to earn hints. Every 3 words reveals one letter of a theme word. On our page, we provide progressive hints you can reveal when needed.