The New York Times GamesStrandsis a daily word-search with a twist. While most word searches give you a list of words to find, this one only gives you one little hint to the general theme of the puzzle.
It can be so easy to get really stuck on this puzzle, especially if you just can’t figure out the theme from the clue. If you are lost in thischallenging puzzle game, this article has everything you need to help you out, from spoilers to clues to the full answer.
The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #275 Jul 08, 2025
TheStrandspuzzle for today has six things to find: one Spangram and five themed words. The clue for today isLead the Way.
New York Times Games Strands Clues
If a clue or two would help you win thisrelaxing puzzle game, but you don’t want any of the answers ruined for yourself, you should check out the three sections below. Each one has a little hint without any spoilers that will get you closer to the theme.
Hint 3: To light up the darkness, perhaps to lead.
Spoilers for Two of the Words in Today’s Strands
If you want a spoiler or two for today’s puzzle but don’t feel like finding non-themed words to save up for one, check out the sections below. Each contains just one spoiled word from thispuzzle game.
Word 2: Flashlight
The Answer to Today’s New York Times Games Strands
The full spoiler for today’sStrandsis in the expandable section below. If you open it up with the Read More button, you will see all the themed words, the Spangram, and where everything goes in the puzzle.
The category for today isIllumination. The words are Headlamp, Torch, Candle, Flashlight, and Lantern.
Today’s Strands Explained
Don’t get the answer to thisfree-to-play PC game? You can find a full breakdown of the puzzle in the section below. Open it up to see how the theme and the clue and all the words go together.
Lead the Wayis a great clue for today’s puzzle. Since the theme isIllumination, it’s all about leading the way with light, as you would in a group walking through a cave with a lamp, for example. All the themed words are types of illumination that could be used for this purpose.
Want to play? Check out theNew York Times Games Strandswebsite available on almost any device with a browser.
