Introduction to the NYT Strands Puzzle and Today’s Theme
The NYT Strands puzzle is a fun and engaging word game that challenges players to find hidden words in a grid. The game has a unique mechanic where players can unlock hints by discovering shorter words within the puzzle. Today’s puzzle, dated March 13, 2025, has the theme What goes around comes around, which hints at concepts like returning, bouncing, or cycling. The puzzle is designed to be both enjoyable and slightly tricky, with some long words that require unscrambling letters. If you’re stuck, don’t worry—this guide provides hints, clues, and the full answers to help you solve the puzzle.
Hints for Today’s Strands Puzzle
The theme What goes around comes around suggests that the hidden words are related to things that return, rebound, or loop back. A more specific clue is Back to you, which reinforces the idea of returning or recoiling. To progress in the game, you can find any words you can, but the key is to unlock the theme words. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. Some examples of words you can use to unlock hints include RODE, BODE, CONE, DINE, TONE, CRAM, TURN, TUNE, RUNE, BOUND, BOOM, MOON, CREATE, CRATE, RATE, and RANG. These words will help you get started, but feel free to experiment and find others.
Answers to Today’s Strands Puzzle
The primary goal of the puzzle is to find all the theme-related words, including the spangram. A spangram is a long word that stretches from one side of the grid to the other, using every letter in the grid. For today’s puzzle, the spangram is NICECOMEBACK. To find it, start with the letter N three letters to the right on the top row, and then wind your way over, down, and up to complete the word.
In addition to the spangram, the other theme-related words to find are:
- BOUNCE
- REBOUND
- RETURN
- RICOCHET
- BOOMERANG
These words all fit the What goes around comes around theme, and finding them will use up every letter on the board.
Toughest Strands Puzzles in Recent Weeks
In recent weeks, some Strands puzzles have stood out as particularly challenging due to their unique themes and obscure words. Here are three of the toughest ones:
- Dated Slang (Jan. 21): This puzzle focused on old, outdated slang that even people who lived through those times might not recognize. The toughest word was PHAT, a term that was briefly popular in the early 2000s.
- Thar She Blows! (Jan. 15): This puzzle was marine-life themed, making it difficult for those without knowledge of whale biology. The toughest words were BALEEN (a filter-feeding structure in whales) and RIGHT (as in right whales).
- Off the Hook (Jan. 9): Another sea-creature-themed puzzle, this one was tough for anyone unfamiliar with specific types of fish. The hardest words were BIGEYE (a type of tuna) and SKIPJACK (a small, fast-moving fish).
These puzzles highlight how the Strands game can be both educational and frustrating, depending on your knowledge base.
Final Thoughts on the NYT Strands Puzzle
The NYT Strands puzzle is a great way to challenge your vocabulary and problem-solving skills while having fun. Each puzzle is designed with a unique theme that ties all the hidden words together, making it satisfying when you finally uncover the spangram. While some puzzles can be tricky, the ability to earn hints by finding smaller words makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels. If you enjoy word games like Wordle or The New York Times Mini Crossword, Strands is definitely worth trying. And if you’re struggling with today’s puzzle, don’t worry—this guide has you covered with all the answers and insights you need.
Additional Resources for NYT Puzzle Fans
If you’re a fan of NYT puzzles, check out CNET’s daily hints and answers for other popular games, including Wordle, Connections, and The New York Times Mini Crossword. These resources are updated every day, providing you with the help you need to stay ahead in all your favorite word games. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive puzzler, there’s something for everyone in the world of NYT puzzles. Happy gaming!
