Hey hey, word‑puzzle peeps—today’s NYT Strands is all about steady, firm, constant energy. The theme is literally Rock solid, so get ready for some bedrock‑level vocabulary. Whether you’re chasing that streak or just flexing your brain, let’s unpack it.
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Theme & Fun Hint
Today’s theme vibes with reliability—like that friend who’s always there, never flaky. Think adjectives that scream “you can count on me.” Some calls it “Rock solid” and that clue fits perfectly
Hint Words to Trigger In‑Game Boosts
If you need extra help, drop these words in the puzzle (they unlock hints; play three non-theme words to earn one):
- READ
- DOVE
- DRIVE
- WAIN
- TRAINS
- SING
Answers, Word‑by‑Word Guide
Here’s how today’s theme words stack up:
- Steady – as reliable as your go‑to playlist
- Sound – solid all around, no creaky corners
- Devoted – totally committed, no half‑measures
- Firm – unmoved, unshakeable
- Constant – always on point
- Unwavering – zero tremble, pure resolve
These are the six theme words. They’re the adjectives of devotion and consistency. Spot them, and you’re cooking.
The Spangram: HOLDFAST
The puzzle’s spangram (that magical word that spans the grid) is HOLDFAST—8 letters. It’s the big idea tying all the theme words together: hold steady, fast, firm. It touches the left side (row 4) and the right side (row 6), bridging the board like a boss
How to Solve Like a Pro
- Scan corners & edges first—spangrams often kick off in one side and end on the other, just like HOLDFAST.
- Plug in non-theme words until you snag hints—it gives that sweet letter‑order boost.
- Lock in the theme early: once you feel it’s about trust/reliability, lean into synonyms.
- Pop the spangram early—it often untangles the rest.
Verbal consistency is your cheat code here.
🧠 Quick Recap Table
| Puzzle Element | Word(s) |
| Theme vibes | “Rock Solid” – reliable & steadfast qualities |
| Hint Words | READ, DOVE, DRIVE, WAIN, TRAINS, SING |
| Theme Answers | Steady, Sound, Devoted, Firm, Constant, Unwavering |
| Spangram | HOLDFAST (touches left and right edges) |
Final Thought
This one’s chill and breezy—mostly a smooth cruise unless Unwavering hides too deep. But hey, even that word eventually folds into the theme love.
If you nailed it, nice hustle. If it wrecked your brain a bit, you’re still winning. The fun of Strands is in cracking the theme mystery. Stay rock solid, and come back tomorrow for another round.
