NYT Strands Puzzle for May 19, 2025: Hints and Answers Revealed

Introduction to NYT Strands
On May 19, 2025, the New York Times introduced its latest puzzle game, NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle features unique themes, challenging players to uncover all the words hidden within the grid, including a special Spangram that spans two sides of the board, enhancing the thematic experience.
A Brief History of NYT Puzzles
The New York Times made its debut in crossword puzzles on February 15, 1942, in its Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. As the first major newspaper to feature a crossword, the NYT has since expanded its offerings to include various games, such as the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. The immensely popular Wordle was launched in 2022, followed by Connections and now Strands.
Today's NYT Strands Puzzle
If you're struggling with today's NYT Strands puzzle, we have some helpful hints to ignite your curiosity. Keep reading to find the answers as well.
Today's Theme
The theme for today's Strands is 'Taking the bait'.
Hints for Today's Puzzle
SPOILER ALERT: The hints and answers for today's NYT Strands are provided below. Be cautious, as these hints may reveal parts of the puzzle.
Spangram Hint: Items related to fish or the ocean, possibly with a hint of suspicion.
Hint #1: A freshwater fish commonly found in cold, clear waters.
Hint #2: A pink-fleshed fish known for its upstream spawning journey.
Answers for May 19, 2025
- TROUT
- SALMON
- HALIBUT
- MACKEREL
- SNAPPER
Today's Spangram
The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'SomethingsFishy'.
Understanding NYT Strands
Strands is a unique game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players are presented with 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch board, along with a daily theme. The objective is to solve the Spangram and identify all the theme-related words.
To play, connect letters on the grid to form words using your mouse or fingers on a touchscreen. You can link letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is crucial for grasping the Strands theme, alongside searching for other related words in the puzzle.
Tips for Solving the Puzzle
Identify the theme words: Fill the grid with the theme answers, which will be highlighted in blue once discovered.
Locate the Spangram: This essential puzzle piece connects two opposite sides of the board and summarizes the theme, highlighted in yellow when found.
Utilize hints: Off-topic words can serve as clues. For every three non-theme words revealed, letters will be highlighted to assist in finding a themed word without directly revealing it.