Move aside, Wordle, Connections, and The Mini Crossword—there’s a fresh challenge from The New York Times. Strands, the latest addition to the NYT’s lineup of daily word puzzles, has been steadily growing in popularity.

With its unique format, daily themes, and the all-important spangram, this word game is becoming a must-solve puzzle for language enthusiasts.

For those struggling with today’s Strands puzzle for Monday, March 3, 2025, we have hints, the spangram solution, and the full list of answers. Scroll carefully—spoilers ahead!

How To Play NYT Strands

Before diving into today’s hints and solutions, here’s a quick guide to how Strands works, as per a report by Parade:

• The goal is to find theme words that relate to the day’s topic.
• Tap or drag letters to form words. If using the tap method, double-tap the last letter to confirm.
• Words that fit the theme stay highlighted in blue.
• The spangram is a special word that describes the theme and stretches across opposite sides of the board. It is highlighted in yellow when found.
• Players can unlock hints by identifying three non-theme words. Hints will reveal letters from a theme word.

Today’s Strands Theme Hint: “A Fungus Among Us”

The theme of today’s puzzle revolves around different types of fungi.

Players must identify seven theme words, including the spangram, which collectively represent this category.

NYT Strands Spangram Hint for March 3, 2025

• Is the spangram vertical or horizontal?
• Today’s spangram runs vertically (bottom to top).
• General hint: The words in today’s puzzle all belong to the world of mushrooms.

First Letter Clues for Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle

If you’re stuck, here are the first two letters of each theme word to help you:

• SH
• CR
• EN
• OY
• BU
• TR
• MU (Spangram)

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for March 3, 2025

If you’re ready for the big reveal, the spangram for today’s puzzle is:

• MUSHROOMS

NYT Strands Answers for Monday, March 3, 2025

Here is the complete list of theme words for today’s puzzle:

• SHIITAKE
• CREMINI
• ENOKI
• OYSTER
• BUTTON
• TRUFFLE
• MUSHROOMS (Spangram)

FAQs

What is the spangram?

The spangram connects at least two sides of the board, though it doesn’t necessarily begin or end there. While theme words are never proper names, the spangram may be.

Is NYT Strands available?

Strands can be played in the Games app, on nytimes.com/games/strands, and in the Play tab of the News app.