NYT Strands July 20, 2025: Hints, answers, and Spangram

The New York Times published its very first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine. Created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar, this marked a turning point in American print media, introducing wordplay to a broader audience. Over the decades, the Times has steadily expanded its games portfolio to include Mini Crossword (launched in 2014), along with popular offerings like Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles.

In 2022, the Times made headlines again by acquiring the viral hit Wordle, followed by the successful launch of Connections and now its latest puzzle sensation — Strands.

What Is NYT Strands?

Strands is the Times' newest daily word puzzle. Each game presents a themed challenge, where players identify related words hidden in a grid of 48 letters (6x8 layout). A key highlight is the Spangram — a theme word that stretches from one edge of the board to the opposite side, acting as a central clue.


Strands allows players to form words by connecting letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Found theme words are highlighted in blue, and the Spangram appears in yellow. To assist players, the game also offers a bonus mechanic: finding three non-theme words triggers a helpful letter hint.

Today’s Theme: “Shore Thing!”

The theme for today’s Strands is "Shore thing!"

Spangram: BeachAttire

Theme Words: TRUNKS, WRAP, BIKINI, SARONG, SWIMSUIT, SANDALS

Clues: Hint #1: A women's swimsuit made up of two separate pieces. (Answer: BIKINI)

Hint #2: A long, wrapped cloth traditionally worn around the waist or chest in Malaysia and Indonesia. (Answer: SARONG)

As Strands gains popularity among word puzzle fans, it continues the New York Times’ tradition of smart, engaging, and habit-forming games — further solidifying its place as a leader in digital wordplay.