“Strands,” a daily word puzzle from The New York Times, has quickly risen in popularity among language and puzzle enthusiasts. Inspired by the success of games such as Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands combines elements of logic, vocabulary, and thematic guessing, offering a unique challenge. Players are tasked with uncovering theme words hidden within a grid, with the ultimate goal of finding the “Spangram”—a longer word or phrase unifying the theme and spanning the grid.
The game features a new puzzle each day, inviting participants to engage in both vocabulary skills and creative thinking. For the September 25, 2025 edition, the theme is “Simply Divine,” aligning with celestial and angelic imagery. The puzzle requires solving a series of theme words that together fill the board completely, without overlap.
Today’s hints included the letters HE, AR, SE, ME, and GU, with HE being part of the crucial Spangram. The completed challenge identifies words like HERALD, ARCHANGEL, SERAPH, MESSENGER, and GUARDIAN. These terms collectively echo the theme, with “HEAVENSENT” serving as the binding Spangram.
Strands has not only attracted a wide global audience but has also become an integral part of many players’ daily routines. By enticing users to discover theme-related words and interconnecting them under a cohesive thematic umbrella, it offers a stimulating and rewarding experience. The combination of strategic word search and compelling daily themes makes Strands a standout in the world of word puzzles.