NYT Strands is a word game created by The New York Times. It is designed to challenge your vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills. As part of their ever-growing “Games” library, Strands adds a unique twist to word puzzles with its focus on themes and the ever-important Spangram.
In this article, we’ll explain how it works and provide some helpful strategies to make solving these daily puzzles easier. We’ll also review the March 14, 2025, theme and how you can tackle today’s Strands puzzle like a pro!
What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a word puzzle with a grid of letters, typically in a six-by-eight format. The goal is to connect letters to form multiple words related to a specific theme. Each puzzle has a central challenge—the Spangram— a key phrase or word spanning two sides of the grid. Once you crack the Spangram, it unlocks the rest of the words related to the theme.
How Does the Spangram Work?
The Spangram is essentially the “key” to solving the puzzle. It runs the grid length in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line. Today’s Spangram, for example, is a horizontal word that begins with “CL” and is related to baked desserts made of pastry and filling.
In today’s case, the Spangram is ClassicPies. Knowing this phrase immediately gives you a huge clue about the theme, which in turn helps you find the other related theme words.
The theme for March 17, 2025: “Sound Switching,”
Today’s theme in NYT Strands is “Sound Switching,” and it’s about words that can easily confuse anyone when spoken.
Today’s NYT Strands Hints
- The first word is gentle and prepared to help you sleep.
- The second word is out of commission in the worst possible way.
- The third word is blushing deeply, like a steamy romance novel cover.
- The fourth word is bold and always makes its presence known loudly.
- The fifth word is crunchy, savory, and never just one piece.
- The sixth word is profound, hidden, and often filled with dreams or desires.
- A spangram is what occurs when words get tangled up in themselves.
Today’s NYT Strands Answers
- Bedding
- Stricken
- Blushing
- Crow
- Chips
- Wells
- Spoonerisms
