Explore Today's NYT Strands Puzzle: Hints and Answers for June 26, 2025

Introduction to NYT Strands
On June 26, 2025, the New York Times introduced its latest puzzle game, NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle features fresh themes each day, challenging players to uncover all the words hidden within the grid, including a unique Spangram that spans two sides of the board, providing insights into the theme.
A Brief History of NYT Puzzles
The New York Times made its debut in the crossword puzzle scene on February 15, 1942, within its Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. It was the first major newspaper to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has launched various captivating games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. The immensely popular Wordle was released in 2022, along with Connections and Strands.
Today's Puzzle Theme
The theme for today's Strands puzzle is 'Fowl business'.
Hints for Today's Strands
SPOILER ALERT: Below are the hints, answers, and Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle. These hints may reveal parts of the puzzle, so proceed with caution:
Spangram Hint: Wild fowl often hunted for sport and food.
Hint #1: A large bird with a fan-shaped tail, often the centerpiece of feasts.
Hint #2: A honking waterfowl known for flying in a V-formation.
Answers for Today's NYT Strands
- TURKEY
- GOOSE
- QUAIL
- PHEASANT
- PARTRIDGE
- GROUSE
Today's Spangram
The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'GameBirds'.
Understanding NYT Strands and How to Play
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 drag to connect letters in any direction.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is crucial for understanding the Strands theme. Additionally, players must search for other theme words within the puzzle to complete it.
Tips for Solving the Puzzle
Uncover the theme words: Fill out the grid with the theme answers, which will be marked in blue once found and will not overlap.
Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, a key element that connects two opposite sides of the board. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words, highlighted in yellow when identified.
Get hints: Use off-topic words as clues. For every three non-theme words revealed, letters will be highlighted to assist in finding a themed word without directly revealing it.