NYT Strands, the latest addition to the New York Times’ puzzle game offerings, provides players with a daily puzzle centered around a unique theme. The objective is to uncover all the hidden words within the grid, including a special Spangram that spans the board, offering a deeper understanding of the daily theme.
The New York Times introduced its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in its Sunday Magazine, created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar. The NYT has since introduced several engaging games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed and Tiles. The NYT released the highly popular Wordle in 2022, followed by Connections and Strands.
Need assistance with today’s NYT Strands puzzle? Here are some hints to spark your curiosity, along with the answers and the Spangram. Please be aware that the hints and answers may reveal portions of the puzzle; proceed with caution.
**Theme for September 11, 2025:** ‘Take a break’
**Hints:**
* **Spangram Hint:** Personal time set aside just for yourself to relax or recharge.
* **Word Hints:**
1. To enjoy or learn from written words in a book or article.
2. To move at a steady pace on foot, often for relaxation.
**Answers for September 11, 2025:**
* READ
* WALK
* PAINT
* MEDITATE
* UNPLUG
* EXERCISE
* JOURNAL
**Today’s Spangram:** ‘ME TIME’
**How to Play NYT Strands:**
Strands combines elements of Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crosswords. Players are presented with a 6×8 grid containing 48 letters and a daily theme. The goal is to identify the Spangram and find all the theme-related words.
Connect letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally using a mouse or touch screen. The Spangram provides a central concept to help understand the theme, alongside the other theme words.
**Tips for Solving the Puzzle:**
* **Identify the theme words:** Complete the table with the theme answers. They are marked in blue when found and do not overlap.
* **Discover the Spangram:** Look for the Spangram, which spans two opposite sides of the board and sums up the topic. It will be highlighted in yellow when found.
* **Get hints:** Look for off-topic words as a guide. Every 3 non-theme words you reveal; the letters will be highlighted with a clue to find a themed word without revealing the word directly.
