NYT Strands provides a daily word puzzle, challenging players to uncover words hidden within a letter grid, all connected to a central theme indicated by a Spangram.
The New York Times published its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, within its Sunday Magazine. Charles Erlenkotter designed it, and Margaret Farrar edited it. This marked the newspaper’s initial introduction of a crossword puzzle. Subsequently, the NYT created engaging games like the Mini Crossword (2014), followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. Wordle was a hit in 2022, succeeded by Connections and Strands.
Need help with today’s NYT Strands? Here’s a guide with hints and solutions.
The Theme for August 31, 2025: ‘Up the hill’
Spoiler Alert: This contains hints, answers, and the Spangram. Proceed with caution.
Spangram Hint: A famous duo on a shared activity, familiar from a children’s rhyme.
Word Hints:
1. A container.
2. To retrieve something.
August 31, 2025 Answers:
* PAIL
* FETCH
* BROKE
* CROWN
* AFTER
* WATER
* TUMBLING
Today’s Spangram:
‘JackAndJill’ is the Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle.
About NYT Strands
Strands combines elements of Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. The game presents a 6 x 8-inch board containing 48 letters, with a daily theme. Players must solve the Spangram and uncover all the theme-related words.
How to Play:
* Connect letters on the grid to form words, using your mouse or your finger on a touchscreen. Drag your mouse to link letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
* Identify the central theme word or Spangram. This will help to clarify the Strands theme.
* Search for the other theme words within the puzzle. The goal is to find them all.
Tips for Solving
* Uncover Theme Words: Fill the table with the theme answers. They are marked in blue when found and do not overlap.
* Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, crucial, touching both sides of the board. It summarizes the topic. It will be highlighted in yellow when identified.
* Get Hints: Seek out off-topic words to guide you. Revealing three non-theme words highlights letters providing a hint for a themed word.