As of June 19, 2025, the New York Times has introduced a new puzzle game called NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle features unique themes and challenges players to uncover all the words on the grid, including a special Spangram that spans two sides of the board, enhancing the thematic experience.
The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. This marked the newspaper as the first major publication to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has rolled out various captivating games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. The immensely popular Wordle was introduced in 2022, along with Connections and now Strands.
The theme for today's Strands puzzle is 'Life is a highway.'
SPOILER ALERT: Below are hints for today's NYT Strands puzzle, which may reveal answers. Proceed with caution:
Spangram Hint: A long journey taken by car, often for fun or adventure.
Hint #1: Activities played for enjoyment, competition, or skill, typically governed by rules.
Hint #2: A roadside lodging place commonly used by travelers.
The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'RoadTrip.'
Strands is a unique game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players receive 48 letters on a 6 x 8-inch board along with a daily theme. The objective is to solve the Spangram and identify all the theme-related words.
To play, connect letters on the grid to form words using your mouse or fingers on a touchscreen. You can link letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is essential for grasping the Strands theme, alongside searching for other theme words within the puzzle.
Uncover the theme words: Fill the grid with the theme answers, which will be marked in blue when found and will not overlap.
Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, a key element that connects two opposite sides of the board. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words, highlighted in yellow once identified.
Get hints: Use off-topic words as clues. For every three non-theme words revealed, letters will be highlighted to assist in finding a themed word without directly revealing it.