As of June 13, 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 is 'Scattering petals.'
SPOILER ALERT: Below are hints and answers for today's NYT Strands puzzle. Be cautious, as these hints may reveal parts of the solution.
Spangram Hint: Individuals who carry or scatter petals during weddings.
Hint #1: A vibrant red flower often linked to remembrance.
Hint #2: A graceful white or colorful flower that symbolizes purity and renewal.
The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'FlowerGirls.'
Strands is a unique game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players are presented with 48 letters arranged 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 create words, players can connect letters on the grid using a mouse or touch screen, dragging to link letters in any direction.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is essential for grasping the Strands theme.
In addition to the Spangram, players must search for other theme words within the puzzle. Completing all words signifies solving the puzzle.
Uncover the theme words: Fill the grid with theme answers, which will be highlighted in blue once found and will not overlap.
Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, a vital piece that connects two opposite sides of the board. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words, highlighted in yellow when 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 disclosing it.
