The NYT Strands puzzle, a recent addition to the New York Times’ puzzle lineup, provides daily thematic challenges. Players must find all the hidden words in a grid, including a Spangram that links opposite sides of the board. The New York Times’ history with puzzles dates back to February 15, 1942, with the debut of its first crossword. Other popular games followed including the Mini Crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. Wordle, Connections, and Strands have all gained popularity.
Struggling with the NYT Strands puzzle for August 19, 2025? Here are some hints to guide you. The theme for today is ‘Dash it!’.
Here is a hint for the Spangram: A word joined together with a little dash in the middle. For additional help, here are hints for the answers: Magical-sounding nonsense used to trick or entertain and done without order, plan, or choice; haphazardly.
The answers to today’s NYT Strands are HOCUSPOCUS, WILLYNILLY, PELLMELL, and HOITYTOITY.
The Spangram for the August 19, 2025 puzzle is ‘Hyphenated’. NYT Strands combines elements of other popular games. Players have to find theme words and the Spangram to solve the puzzle. Players can connect letters on the grid to form words horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The Spangram helps to understand the theme.
Useful strategies for solving the puzzle: identify theme words, discover the Spangram, and use hints.