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Introduction to NYT Strands

As of May 17, 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.

A Brief History of NYT Puzzles

The New York Times first launched its crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. This marked the beginning of a trend, as the NYT became the first major newspaper to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has rolled out various engaging 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.

Today's NYT Strands Theme

The theme for today's Strands puzzle is 'She’s got game.'

Hints for Today's Puzzle

SPOILER ALERT: Below are hints for today's NYT Strands puzzle, which may reveal answers. Proceed with caution:

Spangram Hint: A fast-paced sport played with a hoop, court, and bouncing ball.

Hint #1: A wild cat with tufted ears or a WNBA team from Minnesota.

Hint #2: A vision or experience during sleep, or a cherished aspiration.

Answers for NYT Strands on May 17, 2025

• LYNX


• DREAM


• WINGS


• FEVER


• STORM


• LIBERTY


• MERCURY

Today's Spangram

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

Understanding NYT Strands and How to Play

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.

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

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

Tips for Solving the Puzzle

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

Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, which is a key piece that connects two opposite sides of the board. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words, highlighted in yellow once 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 revealing it.

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