August 23, 2025 NYT Strands: Hints, Answers, and Gameplay Explained

NYT Strands, a word puzzle game by the New York Times, presents daily challenges centered around a unique theme. The game requires players to find words within a grid, including a Spangram, which gives insight into the theme. The August 23, 2025 puzzle is themed around “Rub it in, why don’t you?” The Spangram, the key to understanding the puzzle, is “Moisturizers”. Hints are provided to aid players, such as describing the answer words with clues. The answers to the puzzle are: BALM, CREAM, LOTION, BUTTER, JELLY, SALVE, and SERUM. The article includes details about how to play, which involves connecting letters on a 6 x 8-inch grid to form words by dragging a mouse or using a touchscreen. The goal is to find all the theme words, including the central Spangram. The article offers tips for solving the puzzle, such as finding the theme words and uncovering the Spangram which sums up the topic and can include two words.