Strands fans, gather around! ???? The New York Times’ latest word game is making waves, and if you’re here, you might be looking for a little help with today’s puzzle. No worries—I’ve got hints, clues, and even the answers (if you need them).
Want more word fun? Check out my NYT Connections and Quordle pages for hints and answers for those games. And if you still need to solve today’s Wordle, Check Wordle Hints and Answer!
???? SPOILER WARNING ????
NYT Strands hints and answers are just below! If you’re still working on today’s puzzle and don’t want any spoilers, stop scrolling now!
Table of Contents
NYT Strands #504, July 20, 2025
Theme & Hints
- Theme: “Shore thing!” — all words are beachwear or seaside gear
- To unlock in-game hints, try entering simple words like BEAR, HATS, DATA, CHAT, PAGE, or SONG
- The spangram (a phrase using all letters) runs mostly horizontally from the left edge to the right in the 3rd–8th rows
Theme Words
- WRAP – a lightweight cover for beach days
- BIKINI – classic two-piece swimwear
- SARONG – versatile fabric waist wrap
- TRUNKS – men’s swim shorts
- SANDALS – open-toe beach footwear
- SWIMSUIT – one-piece swimwear
Spangram
BEACH ATTIRE — stretches across the grid and ties the beachwear theme together perfectly
How the Path Unfolds
Start spotting simple beach-related words—WRAP and TRUNKS often pop early in the grid. Once you sense the theme’s seaside slant, the presence of all those clothing items cues the full list. Finding “BEACH ATTIRE” (the spangram) straightens out the last words nicely.
NYT Strands #503, July 19, 2025
???? Theme: “Hot enough for ya?”
Helpful Hints Before Revealing Answers:
- Think of words that describe different levels of heat and humidity.
- Look for the spangram, which stretches across the grid from one side to the opposite—it’s key.
- Expect six theme words, including the spangram phrase.
The Full Answers:
- BALMY – Pleasantly warm and mild.
- STICKY – That clingy, humid sensation.
- MUGGY – Oppressively humid and uncomfortable.
- SCORCHING – Intensely hot, like sunburn on a stick.
- SWELTERING – Unbearably hot and stifling.
- Spangram Phrase: SUMMER WEATHER – It snakes across the board and sums up the whole vibe.
NYT Strands #502, July 18, 2025
Theme Hint
Today’s theme is “Abracadabra!”—think magic tricks and illusions.
Sneaky Hints
- Theme words are verbs you’d see in a magic show: DIS…, ESC…, LEV…, MUL…, TRA…
- The spangram is horizontal, starting with “IT” on the left and ending on the right.
Final Answers
- Spangram: ITSMAGIC (forms “It’s magic”)
- Theme Words:
- ESCAPE
- LEVITATE
- MULTIPLY
- DISAPPEAR
- TRANSFORM
NYT Strands #501, July 17, 2025
????️ Theme Hint
Find your seat—words all relate to seating areas in a theater/auditorium.
???? Hints Breakdown
- Hint #2: Clue Words
Try typing any of these to activate built‑in hints: ZANY, CLAM, BONY, WING, CROSS, HEATER - Hint #3: Spangram Length
The spangram is 8 letters long and ties everything together. - Hint #4: Spangram Orientation
It runs horizontally, touching both the right and left edges of the grid on the 2nd row.
???? Final Answers
Theme Words (all seating-related):
- BOXES – the private elevated seating sections
- MEZZANINE – first elevated balcony level
- LOBBY – entrance gathering area
- BALCONY – upper-level seats
- WINGS – side areas near the stage
- ORCHESTRA – main floor seating closest to the stage
Wrap-Up
Your path likely went something like this:
- Spot BOXES or WINGS early on—instantly the theater theme clicks.
- Narrow in on THEATERS as it spans the grid horizontally.
- Then fill in LOBBY, BALCONY, MEZZANINE, and ORCHESTRA with ease.
NYT Strands #500, July 16, 2025
???? Theme & Hints
- Theme: Items used with a tablet
- The puzzle centers around tech accessories
- You’re looking for things that typically pair or function alongside a tablet
???? Spangram
- TABLET (runs across the board, connecting the theme)
✅ Theme Words (8 total)
- SPEAKER
- STAND
- CASE
- FOLIO
- KEYBOARD
- CHARGER
- STYLUS
- TABLET (also the spangram)
???? How I Found the Answers (Solution Path)
- Started guessing random tech-related words like “CASE” and “STAND”—both were accepted, so I knew the theme was related to gadgets or accessories.
- Spotted the word “TABLET” stretching straight across the board, which instantly felt like the centerpiece. That confirmed it as the spangram.
- Once “TABLET” was found, I looked for related items — things you plug in or use with tablets.
- Found KEYBOARD and STYLUS vertically by scanning for longer accessory names.
- CHARGER came next by spotting “C” and noticing “HARGER” building diagonally.
- FOLIO and SPEAKER filled in quickly after that by looking at common tablet case styles and audio gear.
- Finished with STAND, which fit right in with the accessory vibe.
NYT Strands #499, July 15, 2025
Theme Clue
“Come one, come all!”
Think of the central hub where everyone gathers for entertainment and treats—you’re on the right track!
Hints
- Starts with C, ends with S—a two-word spangram that “kicks things off”
- Words you might see to unlock letters: silver, sliver, reuse, crimes, rodeo, livers, voted, dice, vices
- Spangram clues: It’s C—you—S, and it’s fun-packed!
Answers
- GAMES
- MUSIC
- RIDES
- LIVESTOCK
- PRIZES
- VENDORS
Spangram
COUNTY FAIRS
Solution Path
- Unlock early letters by finding smaller words like RODEO, DICE, VICES.
- As letters show up, you’ll notice GAMES and MUSIC click into place—likely near the same area.
- Seeing those crowd-friendly words, the vibe starts leaning toward a fair or carnival theme.
- Next, RIDES snags itself—classic fair staple.
- With that triangle of GAMES, MUSIC, RIDES, the theme is real: think COUNTY FAIRS.
- That spangram emerges—COUNTY FAIRS—and bam, the rest follows:
- LIVESTOCK typically runs down one side of the board
- PRIZES is nestled somewhere nearby
- VENDORS finishes the set, completing that bustling fair scene
NYT Strands #498, July 14, 2025
Daily Theme:
“Won’t you be my neighbor?”
Ahem, The very first second I saw that title, my brain went straight into “Mr. Rogers Mode.” I knew we were talking community people—your real-world NPCs that keep things running smooth in the local map.
Spangram:
The hidden 9-letter connector weaving through the grid was… COMMUNITY
Boom. Nailed that midway through like discovering a secret door in a dungeon wall.
The Puzzle Party (Answers):
Each of these was like recruiting a vital party member in your RPG squad. Here’s who showed up:
- TEACHER – The ultimate support role. Buffs your mind stats.
- MAYOR – Kinda like the guild leader. Questionable politics, but keeps the town on track.
- JANITOR – The silent tank. You don’t see ‘em coming, but they clean up literal messes.
- LIBRARIAN – Keeper of knowledge, quest-giver of lore. Low-key my fave.
- FIREFIGHTER – The frontline DPS when things get ????????????
- COMMUNITY (Spangram) – The glue that binds them all. Like the town center of your save file.
My Move-by-Move
Started poking around the board, saw TEACHER early—it was just sitting there like “yo, you forgot your homework.” That kicked off the chain. Got JANITOR next, then pieced together MAYOR lurking in the lower rows like a sneaky political sidequest.
The “aha!” moment was spotting COMMUNITY stretch across the board like a legendary drop. After that, the rest fell like dominos.
Strands today felt wholesome. Kinda like building your town in a sim game. All the roles had a purpose, and when the final piece clicked, it was that sweet “Level Complete” vibe.
That’s it for today, comeback tomorrow.
NYT Strands #497, July 13, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Overall theme: “Completely fabricated” — think things that are woven or manufactured
- Hint #1: A lavish natural fiber produced by silkworms.
- Hint #2: A breathable natural fiber used in everyday clothes
- Spangram: 8‑letter vertical stretch; starts with TE.
My Playthrough
Booted up the grid and immediately went hunting for silk vibes—those slinky letters jumped right out. From there, the theme started to click: this was all about… fabric.
Spotted a batch of thinner letters near the bottom with a vertical feel—thought, maybe textiles? I just doubled‑checked once a few pieces were down, and boom—that vertical stretch unlocked the board. After that, it felt like opening a toolbox: each next word followed smoothly, almost too easy after that breakthrough.
Felt good to beat this one in just a few non-theme guesses. Definitely a satisfying Sunday puzzle.
Answers (Warning: Spoilers Ahead!)
Spangram: TEXTILES
Theme words (all 6 others):
- SILK
- LINEN
- WOOL
- COTTON
- RAYON
- SPANDEX
- POLYESTER
NYT Strands #496, July 12, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Today’s Strand theme is In the ballpark.
- Here are some clue words to find answers Dole, Clue, Anger, Stun, Plump, Bunch.
- Today’s Spangram is just 7 letters long.
- Spangram start from 5th row first column to 5th row 5th column.
Answers:
- GLOVE
- PEANUTS
- HELMET
- PITCHER
- BULLPEN
- JAMBOTRON
- SPANGRAM: STADIUM
NYT Strands #495, July 11, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Today’s NYT Strands theme is It could be verse.
- Clue words to find answers are Smile, Pile, Race, Lace, Chip, Slip.
- Today’s Spangram is not too long, it has 6 letters in it.
- Spangram starts from 1st column fifth row to last column fifth row.
Answers:
- SONNET
- LIMERICK
- EPIC
- ELEGY
- HAIKU
- BALLAD
- ACROSTIC
- SPANGRAM: POETRY
NYT Strands #494, July 10, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Today’s NYT Strands theme is: Nap time!.
- Start with these clue words Deck, Ties, Swot, Word, Spray, Guide.
- Today’s Spangram has 10 letters.
- Spangram starts from 4th row 1st column to 5th row last column.
Answers:
- DROWSY
- SPENT
- WEARY
- FATIGUED
- TIRED
- KNACKERED
- SPANGRAM: SLEEPYHEAD
NYT Strands #493, July 9, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Today’s theme is Party time!.
- Here are some clue words to start the game with Final, Sonnet, Close, Poet, Tool, Burnt.
- Today’s Spangram has 11 letters.
- Spangram starts from first row last column to last row first column.
Answers:
NYT Strands 493 answers are:
- BALLOON
- BUNTING
- PENNANT
- CONFETTI
- STREAMER
- SPANGRAM: DECORATIONS
NYT Strands #492, July 8, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- So today’s NYT Strands theme is So extra.
- We have some clue words to start with: Some, Trip Dear, Stone, Sore, Pram.
- Today’s Spangram is short and simple, it is just 6 letters long.
- Spangram start from 1st column fifth row to last column fifth row.
Answers:
- TIME
- CHANGE
- KEYS
- MOMENT
- BEDROOM
- HANDS
- PARTS
- TIRES
- SPANGRAM: SPARES
NYT Strands #491, July 7, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Today’s theme is Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh.
- Here are some clue words to start with Hide, Sock, Coal, Slump, Duel, Plank.
- Today’s Spangram has 10 letters.
- Spangram starts from Top row fifth column to last row 3rd column.
Answers:
- BUNK
- LAKE
- FLAGPOLE
- CANTEEN
- LODGE
- FIELDHOUSE
- SPANGRAM: SUMMER CAMP
NYT Strands #490, July 6, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Theme: My hero!
- Clue Words: Spore, Girl, Prow, Swill, Bill, Feud.
- Spangram has 10 letters.
- Spangram starts from down to up, from last row 4th column to first row 5th column.
Answers:
- STRENGTH
- SPEED
- FLIGHT
- INVISIBILITY
- HEALING
- SPANGRAM: SUPERPOWER
NYT Strands #489, July 5, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Theme: Every second counts
- Clue Words: Person, Home, Root, Shake, Swoon, Mate.
- Spangram has 11 letters.
- Spangram start in 4th row 1st column and end in 6th row 3rd column.
Answers:
- CLOCK
- WATCH
- CHRONOMETER
- HOURGLASS
- SUNDIAL
- SPANGRAM: TIMEKEEPERS
NYT Strands #488, July 4, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Theme: Let’s have a picnic!.
- Clue Words: Barn, Lore, Bugs, Star, Trace, Snore.
- Spangram has 8 letters
- Spangram star in 1st row 4th column and ends in last row and 4th column.
Answers:
- BURGERS
- SALAD
- COLESLAW
- BRATS
- BEANS
- WATERMELON
- SPANGRAM: BARBECUE
NYT Strands #487, July 3, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Hints:
- Theme: Beyond vanilla.
- Clue Words: March, Brown, Bore, Stretch, Scotch, Crown.
- Spangram has 8 letters
- Spangram start in 3rd column and ends in 4th column.
Answers:
- CHERRY
- COFFEE
- BUTTERSCOTCH
- BROWNIE
- PISTACHIO
- SPANGRAM: ICE CREAM
NYT Strands #486, July 2, 2025 — Hints & Answers
???? Theme: “This is for the birds”
Think materials that birds use to build or line their nests.
???? Spangram
A long phrase that stretches across the grid: NESTINGMATERIAL
✅ Theme Words (7 total):
- LEAF
- WOOL
- TWIG
- MOSS
- FLUFF
- GRASS
- FEATHER
NYT Strands #485, July 1, 2025 — Hints & Answers
Spangram (13 letters)
The long connecting word that spans opposite edges is AMUSEMENTPARK.
Hints & Theme Words
- Theme: It’s all about the center of attraction—picture the hub of a funfair or carnival.
- Words included:
- SLIDE – that one towering ramp ride.
- TRAIN – the tiny coaster that runs around the park.
- CAROUSEL – the classic merry-go-round.
- FUNHOUSE – filled with silly mirrors and odd floors.
- SCRAMBLER – that fast, spinning whirl ride.
How It Usually Plays Out
- Spotting SLIDE early in one corner lights things up.
- Fleshing in FUNHOUSE tends to reinforce the festival vibe.
- The other rides—TRAIN, CAROUSEL, SCRAMBLER—fill out the rest, each tied to that fairground theme.
- Finally, the long AMUSEMENTPARK spangram links it all together across the grid.
???? What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the newest word game from the New York Times, following hits like Wordle and Connections. It’s finally out of beta, which means it’s here to stay! You can play it on the NYT Games site on both desktop and mobile.
The goal? Find hidden words related to the daily theme by connecting letters in a word search-style grid. And the spangram? That’s the big word that ties the whole puzzle together!
???? Strands Strategy Tips
Want to get better at Strands? Try these:
✅ Look for obvious words first – They’ll help unlock hints in the game!
✅ Find the spangram early – It usually reveals the theme and makes spotting other words easier.
✅ Don’t forget diagonal moves – Words can go up, down, left, right, AND diagonally!
✅ Think about the theme – Sometimes the answers are less obvious than you’d think!
FAQ’s
What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times that challenges you to find themed words hidden in a grid of letters. It’s kind of like a word search, but with a twist — the words are all connected by a secret theme.
How do you play NYT Strands?
You’re given a 6×8 letter grid, and your goal is to find all the words related to the daily theme. One word in the puzzle is called the “Spangram” — it connects two sides of the board and hints at the puzzle’s main idea. You can shuffle letters, use hints, and tap to select letters.
What is a “Spangram” in Strands?
A Spangram is the longest word in the puzzle and usually the central theme. It spans from one side of the board to the other, and finding it can help unlock the rest of the words.
When does NYT Strands update each day?
Strands refreshes daily at midnight (ET). That means you get a brand new puzzle every day, just like Wordle, Connections, and the Crossword Mini.
Where can I play NYT Strands?
You can play NYT Strands on the official New York Times Games website: https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands
Any tips for solving Strands puzzles?
Look for short, common theme words first.
Try forming words around corners — Strands allows diagonal paths!
Use the shuffle button to get a fresh perspective on the board.
Find the Spangram early — it gives away the theme.
Strands is a fun and challenging new way to test your word skills, and today’s puzzle was a slapshot to the brain! ???? If you cracked it, well done! If not, no sweat—tomorrow’s another chance to show off your word wizardry.
See you next time for more Strands hints & answers! ???? Happy puzzling! ????????
