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Introduction to NYT Strands

On August 26, 2025, the New York Times 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, providing insights into the theme.

A Brief History of NYT Puzzles

The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in its Sunday Magazine, created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar. This marked the newspaper as the first major publication to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has expanded its puzzle offerings, introducing the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by games like Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. The popular Wordle was released in 2022, followed by Connections and now Strands.

Today's NYT Strands Theme

The theme for today's Strands puzzle is 'Bee friendly.'

Hints for Today's Puzzle

SPOILER ALERT: Below are hints and answers for today's NYT Strands puzzle. The hints may reveal parts of the answers, so proceed with caution:

Spangram Hint: A tiny reproductive cell of fungi, ferns, or mosses that can develop into a new organism.

Here are additional hints for the words:

1. A simple white flower with yellow center.

2. A bright orange or yellow flower commonly used in festivals and decorations.

Answers for August 26, 2025

• DAISY


• MARIGOLD


• PRIMROSE


• BLUEBELL


• CHAMOMILE

Today's Spangram

The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'WildFlower.'

Understanding NYT Strands and Gameplay

Strands is a unique game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players are presented with 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.

Players can connect letters on the grid to form words using a mouse or touch screen, dragging to connect letters in any direction.

Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is essential for grasping the Strands theme.

Tips for Solving the Puzzle

Identify the theme words: Fill the grid with the theme answers, which will be marked in blue when found and will not overlap.

Locate the Spangram: The Spangram is a key element that connects two opposite sides of the board, summarizing the theme and may consist of two words. It will be highlighted in yellow once discovered.

Utilize hints: Look for unrelated words as clues. For every three non-theme words revealed, letters will be highlighted to guide you towards a themed word without directly revealing it.

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