A puzzle round-up for fans of the New York Times’ Strands returns with the daily clue and its solution for August 24, 2025. The Strands brain-teaser, a quick-thinking word search from the same publisher behind Connections and Wordle, challenges players to find words that fit a theme from a jumble of letters.
Clue: Plug your ears
Theme hint: Focus on sounds and hearing
Solutions:
– Noisy
– Booming
– Strident
– Boisterous
– Loud
– Blasting
Spangram:
– HUBBUB
What this means for solvers
The Strands puzzle often asks players to connect a central idea to a set of related terms, with a final Spangram that ties everything together. In this case, the unifying thread is sound and hearing, demonstrated by a cluster of synonyms for loud noises. The Spangram “HUBBUB” serves as the overarching word that encapsulates the overall theme.
Tips for tackling Strands
– Start with the clue and think about related categories (in this puzzle’s case, hearing and sound).
– List synonyms or related words first, then check if they fit the letter grid.
– Look for a single-channel connector (the Spangram) that ties the related words together.
Why puzzle fans might enjoy this
Strands continues to offer bite-sized brain-teasers that reward pattern recognition and vocabulary talent. The August 24 puzzle is a clean example of how a single clue can yield multiple related words and a succinct connector word, making it satisfying for players who enjoy a quick, thematic solve.
If you’re hunting for more daily brain teasers, keep an eye on Strands for fresh clues, connections, and the occasional Spangram to test your wordplay skills.