NYT Strands Puzzle Hints and Answers for May 18, 2025

Introduction to NYT Strands

On May 18, 2025, the New York Times introduced a new puzzle game called NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle features unique themes and challenges players to uncover all the words on the grid, including a special Spangram that spans two sides of the board, providing insights into the theme.

A Brief History of Crossword Puzzles

The New York Times made its debut in crossword puzzles on February 15, 1942, within its Sunday Magazine, thanks to Charles Erlenkotter's creation and Margaret Farrar's editing. 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 NYT Strands Puzzle

If you're struggling with today's NYT Strands puzzle, we have some hints to pique your interest. Keep reading to find the answers for today's challenge.

Today's Theme

The theme for today's Strands is 'Riding the wind'.

Hints for Today's Puzzle

SPOILER ALERT: Below are hints for today's NYT Strands puzzle, which may reveal parts of the answers. Proceed with caution:

Spangram Hint: A vessel powered by wind using sails.

Hint #1: A tall vertical pole on a boat that supports the sails and rigging.

Hint #2: The central structural base of a boat that runs along the bottom and provides stability.

Answers for May 18, 2025

• HELM


• HULL


• KEEL


• MAST


• RUDDER


• STERN


• TILLER


• RIGGING

Today's Spangram

The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'SailBoat'.

Understanding NYT Strands

NYT Strands is a game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players receive 48 letters on a 6 x 8-inch board along with a daily theme. The objective is to solve the Spangram and identify all the theme words.

Players can connect letters on the grid to form words using a mouse or touch screen, dragging to connect letters in various directions.

Finding the central theme word or Spangram is essential for grasping the Strands theme, alongside searching for other theme words in the puzzle.

Tips for Solving the Puzzle

Uncover the theme words: Fill out the grid with the theme answers, which will be highlighted in blue when found.

Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, which spans two opposite sides of the board and encapsulates the theme. It will be highlighted in yellow once 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.