NYT Strands #520 Hints & Answers for August 5

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!

NYT Strands #520, August 5, 2025

Theme & Hints

• Theme: Games of chance — think prizes, luck, contests.
• Hint 1: Contests where you can win prizes.
• Hint 2: Games of luck or chance.
• Hint 3: Clue fragments: GI, DR, BI, SW, LO (helping you spot theme words).

Answers

Spangram: LUCKY BREAK (touches two sides of the board)

Theme Words:

• BINGO
• GIVEAWAY
• DRAWING
• SWEEPSTAKES
• LOTTERY

NYT Strands #519, August 4, 2025

Theme: Barbershop items

Clue 1: Tools and products used for haircut or shave
Clue 2: Things found in a personal grooming kit
Clue 3: Hint abbreviations: SCL, RA, AF, CO, CA, TR

Theme Words

• Clippers
• Razor
• Aftershave
• Comb
• Cape
• Trimmer

Spangram:

BARBERSHOP

The central theme word connecting two sides of the grid

NYT Strands #518, August 3, 2025

Theme & Background

• Theme Clue: “Sorry, didn’t catch that” — think sports mistakes or errors
• Setting: All theme words are sports-related mishaps you might hear in commentary.

Hints Before Spoiling Everything

• Theme Word Hint #1: When a computer gives wrong results → “Error”
• Hint #2: Another name for a gag reel → “Blooper”
• Spangram Direction: Mostly horizontal, starting with “SP”

Spangram

• 10-letter Spangram: SPORTS GOOF
  • Begins horizontally across the grid
  • Summarizes the theme—a silly sports mistake

Theme Answers (8 words)

• MUFF
• WHIFF
• ERROR
• FAULT
• FUMBLE
• BOBBLE
• BLOOPER
• Spangram: SPORTS GOOF

NYT Strands #517, August 2, 2025

Hints

1. Theme: Related to editing a photo
2. Try playing these words for in-game hints: MATTER, FORT, RULER, JADE, REST, LIAR
3. Spangram has 11 letters, stretching horizontally from the left to the right on row 6

Answers

Spangram

• PHOTOEDITOR

Theme Words (tools for photo editing)

• FILTER
• CROP
• BLUR
• ADJUST
• ERASE
• ROTATE
• MARKUP

NYT Strands #516, August 1, 2025

Hints

1. Theme: Slithering away 🐍
2. Try playing: CANADA, TRADER, PLACE, BEAT, POLAR, CLEAR — to earn in-game clue assistance.
3. Spangram has 7 letters.
4. The spangram stretches from the left side (row 5) to the right side (row 6).

Theme Words & Spangram

• Spangram: SERPENT
• Related Theme Words (all snake types):
  • ADDER
  • PYTHON
  • COBRA
  • MAMBA
  • VIPER
  • RATTLER
  • ANACONDA

NYT Strands #515, July 31, 2025

Theme & Early Hints

• Theme: Half‑baked – all theme words relate to types of cakes and desserts.
• Clue words (use these to unlock hints): CHUNK, PAGE, SPOIL, FUEL, CLEAN, POND.
• Spangram: Has 11 letters, arranged horizontally, starting with PI, and spans from the left edge on row 5 to the right edge on row 6.

Spangram

• PIECE OF CAKE — a perfect phrase for the “Half‑baked” dessert theme.

Theme Words (7 total)

These are all dessert or cake types found in today’s puzzle:

• FRUIT – like fruit cake.
• BUNDT – ring-shaped cake baked in specialized pan.
• LAVA – molten-centre chocolate cake.
• SPONGE – light, airy layered cake.
• CHEESE – as in cheesecake.
• FUNNEL – funnel cake, deep‑fried and dusted with sugar.
• POUND – classic pound cake.

NYT Strands #514, July 30, 2025

Theme & Hints

• Daily theme: “You’ve got that right”
• Hint words (play these to unlock hints): CHEESE, MESS, BRIEF, BLESS, LISTEN, TILE
• Spangram letter count: 12 letters
• Spangram position: Vertical—touches the top and bottom at the 3rd column; begins with CO

Spangram

• CONSTITUTION

Theme Words (6 total)

NYT Strands #513, July 29, 2025

Theme & Hints

• Today’s theme centers on being very precise and detail-oriented, think strict adherence to rules and accuracy
• Related words include concepts like Exact, Precise, Accurate, Strict, Persnickety
• The spangram is 11 letters long, touching the top row (2nd column) and bottom row (3rd column) in the grid

Theme Words

• EXACT
• STRICT
• PRECISE
• ACCURATE
• PERSNICKETY
• TAKING PAINS (Spangram)

NYT Strands #512, July 28, 2025

Theme: “Inch by inch, row by row”

All theme words relate to plant growth or gardening.

Hints:

• Early clues referenced plant cultivation stages like “to plant seedlings” and “things you do while farming”.
• Spangram orientation: horizontal, starting with “VE…”
• The full spangram is 15 letters, touching both left and right edges.

Theme Words (6 total)

• GROW
• SEED
• SPROUT
• RIPEN
• BLOSSOM
• HARVEST

Spangram

• VEGETABLE GARDEN (fits 15 letters, horizontal across the grid)

NYT Strands #511, July 27, 2025

Theme

“That’s a good look” — basically, how you examine or assess something

Spangram

• Length: 8 letters
• Orientation: runs mostly vertically, starting with “AN”

Theme Words

All relate to examining or evaluating—spot them in your grid:

• STUDY
• EXAMINE
• SURVEY
• WEIGH
• INSPECT
• SCRUTINIZE
• ANALYSIS (Spangram)

NYT Strands #510, July 26, 2025

Theme & Spangram

• The puzzle theme is centered around meeting together or gathering events.
• The spangram is “REUNION”

Theme Words

1. CONVENE
2. ASSEMBLE
3. GATHER
4. MUSTER
5. CONGREGATE
6. MEET
7. REUNION

NYT Strands #509, July 25, 2025

Theme & Sneaky Hints

• Theme: Step to it! — yeah, it’s all about dance and rhythm moves.
• Hint #1: Picture a ballet/tango class scenario: people practicing coordinated movement to music after rehearsals.
• Spangram Hint: It’s a 10-letter phrase that starts at the left side of row 5 and ends at the bottom side of col 5.

Spangram & Theme Answers

• Spangram: DANCE CLASS.
• MUSIC
• COSTUME
• RECITAL
• TEACHER
• CHOREOGRAPHY

NYT Strands #508, July 24, 2025

Theme: “Back away slowly”

A puzzle featuring animal warning sounds

Hints

• Theme hint: Defence‑style animal alarm signals—things like growls and hisses
• Spangram length: 7 letters, spans horizontally (left side 4th row → right side 5th row)

Answers

• Spangram: WARNING
• Theme words (8 total):
• SNARL, GROWL, HISS, HUFF, STOMP, SCREECH, RATTLE, SPRAY

NYT Strands #507, July 23, 2025

Theme:

“Chips In”
Think of what you’d plunge a tortilla chip into at a party… and yes, they’re as tasty as they sound.

Spangram:

PARTYDIPS
Straight across the board—literally and figuratively. This one tied the whole bowl together.

Theme Words (a.k.a. Dippity Doo Dahs):

• SALSA – spicy and classic
• QUESO – cheese is always the move
• GUACAMOLE – avocado MVP
• TZATZIKI – fancy Greek flair
• HUMMUS – the healthy crowd-pleaser
• FONDUE – when your dip goes full gourmet

NYT Strands #506, July 22, 2025

Theme

• Pet-store essentials (think setting up that fishy life).

Hints

1. Theme clue: Pet-shop purchase.
2. You’ll want words like fish, tank, filter, etc.
3. The spangram is vertical—starts near the top in column 4, ends at the bottom of column 4, and has 8 letters.

Answers

• FISH
• TANK
• PUMP
• ROCKS
• PLANTS
• FILTER
• THERMOMETER
• SPANGRAM: AQUARIUM

NYT Strands #505, July 21, 2025

Theme & Hints

• Theme: “I fold!” — think origami and paper crafts
• Try words like BANK, BRINE, FLOW, SHIFT, TURBO, or WHEY in-game to trigger hidden hints
• The spangram spans horizontally starting mid-left (row 4) and ends on the far right (row 5)

Theme Words

• KITE – that classic diamond-shaped flyer
• CRANE – the elegant folding bird
• FROG – yes, origami often features little folded frogs
• BOAT – a simple paper vessel
• FISH – another fun paper fold
• BUTTERFLY – winged masterpiece of folds
• HEART – cute and crafty, fits the fold theme

Spangram

• ORIGAMI — the Japanese art of folding paper, and it touches both edges

Start by spotting obvious foldable shapes—like KITE or CRANE. Once you hit on the I-centered spangram word, the rest fall into place: paper crafts galore! Want tips for faster solves or a breakdown of hint usage? Just shout!

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

1. WRAP – a lightweight cover for beach days
2. BIKINI – classic two-piece swimwear
3. SARONG – versatile fabric waist wrap
4. TRUNKS – men’s swim shorts
5. SANDALS – open-toe beach footwear
6. 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:

1. BALMY – Pleasantly warm and mild.
2. STICKY – That clingy, humid sensation.
3. MUGGY – Oppressively humid and uncomfortable.
4. SCORCHING – Intensely hot, like sunburn on a stick.
5. SWELTERING – Unbearably hot and stifling.
6. 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

1. Hint #2: Clue Words
   Try typing any of these to activate built‑in hints: ZANY, CLAM, BONY, WING, CROSS, HEATER
2. Hint #3: Spangram Length
   The spangram is 8 letters long and ties everything together.
3. Hint #4: Spangram Orientation
   It runs horizontally, touching both the right and left edges of the grid on the 2nd row.

Final Answers

• Spangram (8 letters): THEATERS

Theme Words (all seating-related):

1. BOXES – the private elevated seating sections
2. MEZZANINE – first elevated balcony level
3. LOBBY – entrance gathering area
4. BALCONY – upper-level seats
5. WINGS – side areas near the stage
6. 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)

1. SPEAKER
2. STAND
3. CASE
4. FOLIO
5. KEYBOARD
6. CHARGER
7. STYLUS
8. TABLET (also the spangram)

How I Found the Answers (Solution Path)

1. Started guessing random tech-related words like “CASE” and “STAND”—both were accepted, so I knew the theme was related to gadgets or accessories.
2. Spotted the word “TABLET” stretching straight across the board, which instantly felt like the centerpiece. That confirmed it as the spangram.
3. Once “TABLET” was found, I looked for related items — things you plug in or use with tablets.
4. Found KEYBOARD and STYLUS vertically by scanning for longer accessory names.
5. CHARGER came next by spotting “C” and noticing “HARGER” building diagonally.
6. FOLIO and SPEAKER filled in quickly after that by looking at common tablet case styles and audio gear.
7. 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

1. Unlock early letters by finding smaller words like RODEO, DICE, VICES.
2. As letters show up, you’ll notice GAMES and MUSIC click into place—likely near the same area.
3. Seeing those crowd-friendly words, the vibe starts leaning toward a fair or carnival theme.
4. Next, RIDES snags itself—classic fair staple.
5. With that triangle of GAMES, MUSIC, RIDES, the theme is real: think COUNTY FAIRS.
6. 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:

1. TEACHER – The ultimate support role. Buffs your mind stats.
2. MAYOR – Kinda like the guild leader. Questionable politics, but keeps the town on track.
3. JANITOR – The silent tank. You don’t see ‘em coming, but they clean up literal messes.
4. LIBRARIAN – Keeper of knowledge, quest-giver of lore. Low-key my fave.
5. FIREFIGHTER – The frontline DPS when things get
6. 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

1. Spotting SLIDE early in one corner lights things up.
2. Fleshing in FUNHOUSE tends to reinforce the festival vibe.
3. The other rides—TRAIN, CAROUSEL, SCRAMBLER—fill out the rest, each tied to that fairground theme.
4. 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

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!