The NYT Strands game is the newest addition to the New York Times puzzle lineup, offering daily puzzles with unique themes. Players must find all the hidden words on the grid, including a Spangram that highlights the theme by stretching across the board.
The New York Times released its initial crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine, created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar. This was the first time a major newspaper presented a crossword puzzle. The NYT has since introduced various engaging games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. Wordle came in 2022, then Connections and Strands.
Struggling to solve today’s NYT Strands puzzle? Here’s help with clues and answers.
Theme: ‘Up the hill’.
Spoiler Alert: Below are hints, answers, and Spangram details for today’s NYT Strands. Please be aware that hints can reveal parts of the puzzle.
Spangram Hint: A duo who go on a shared task, commonly mentioned in a classic nursery rhyme.
Here are hints to help you find the words:
1. A container used to hold liquids or other materials.
2. To go get something.
Answers for August 31, 2025:
* PAIL
* FETCH
* BROKE
* CROWN
* AFTER
* WATER
* TUMBLING
Today’s Spangram:
‘JackAndJill’ is the Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle.
About NYT Strands
Strands takes elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and crossword puzzles. Players use a 6 x 8-inch board with 48 letters. The goal is to solve the Spangram and find all the theme-related words.
How to Play:
* Link letters on the grid to create words, using your mouse or fingers on a touchscreen. Drag to connect letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
* Locate the central theme word or Spangram, which helps understand the Strands theme.
* Identify the other theme words. Solve the puzzle by finding them all.
Tips for Solving
* Identify theme words: Fully fill out the table with the theme answers, marked in blue. They do not overlap.
* Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, a vital puzzle piece on two sides of the board, summarizing the topic. It will be highlighted in yellow.
* Get hints: Find off-topic words. Every 3 non-theme words revealed trigger a clue to find a theme word.