If you’re struggling to identify the theme words in today’s puzzle, you definitely need the Strands hints provided below. For those tired of popular games like Wordle and Connections, NYT Strands offers a refreshing and challenging alternative. If you’re among those taking on NYT Strands but finding it tough, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find the hints, answers, and the Spangram for Friday, June 20, 2025, to assist you.
WHAT IS NYT STRANDS?
NYT Strands is a word game developed by The New York Times as part of its expanding Games collection. The primary goal is to connect letters within a six-by-eight grid to form multiple words that share a common theme.
Each puzzle provides you with a theme to kickstart your solving. You form several theme-related words based on that clue, as well as one special word known as the Spangram. The Spangram spans the length of the grid—whether vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—and serves as the key to unlocking the rest of the themed words.
The theme for today’s Strands puzzle can be interpreted in various ways, keeping you intrigued daily with new sets of theme words and Spangrams.
NYT STRANDS HINTS FOR TODAY’S THEME: “JUST A DUSTING”
The theme for today’s Strands puzzle on June 20, 2025, is Just a dusting.
If today’s answers aren’t coming to you, here’s a helpful hint — what is a “pulvilio”?
Below are hints for some of the theme words to help you solve the puzzle yourself without needing to scroll down for the full answers:
- Hint #1: A cosmetic or toilet product made from a fine-grained mineral, providing a soft texture when applied to the skin.
- Hint #2: A fine-grained chemical compound used as a low-power explosive in mining and construction.
NYT STRANDS SPANGRAM HINT: VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL?
The Spangram for today’s Strands on June 20, 2025, is primarily VERTICAL and begins with the letters “PO”.
Here’s a clue about today’s Spangram — it’s a dry, solid substance made up of many very fine particles.
> Spoiler Warning:
> Scroll past this point AT YOUR OWN RISK. The hints and answers for today’s Strands are below.
TODAY’S NYT STRANDS ANSWERS FOR JUNE 20, 2025
TODAY’S STRANDS SPANGRAM ANSWER
The Spangram for today’s Strands puzzle on June 20, 2025, is — Powders.
ALL THEME WORDS IN TODAY’S STRANDS
If you’re still looking for the theme words, here they are:
- BABY
- BAKING
- CHILI
- COCOA
- TALCUM
- ITCHING
- BLASTING
Image Credit: NYT Games (screenshot by Ajaay Srinivasan / Beebom)
Today’s Strands answers were fairly straightforward. I began with the initial theme words — BABY and BAKING — which helped me grasp the overall theme. As soon as I noticed the letters starting with POWD, I found the Spangram and completed the rest of the themed words.
WHAT IS NYT STRANDS SPANGRAM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each NYT Strands puzzle features a unique word or phrase called the Spangram. This word or phrase extends across two opposite sides of the grid. Note that the Spangram doesn’t always have to start or end at the grid’s edge.
Essentially, the Spangram acts as a large clue that encapsulates the day’s Strands theme in one or two words. Since it spans across two sides of the puzzle, solving it early greatly aids in figuring out the remaining themed words, and vice versa.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MASTERING NYT STRANDS PUZZLES
While solving an NYT Strands puzzle isn’t overly difficult, some puzzles may require a more strategic approach. Here are some tips and tricks to help you crack the theme words and Spangram:
- Start at the corners: Each puzzle is different, but the Spangram rarely extends diagonally. So, begin by identifying and solving words located at the grid’s corners.
- Use hints without hesitation: Sometimes, a single theme word can unlock the whole puzzle. Don’t hesitate to get hints for non-theme words if it helps you progress.
- Think both literally and figuratively: Not all themes are straightforward. Some answers might be clever or figurative, conveying a meaning different from their literal sense.
- Focus on the Spangram: The Spangram divides the Strands board in two. Solving even part of it can narrow down your options for other theme words.
If you’re still having trouble mastering NYT Strands, check out our guide on how to play Strands for more helpful tips and strategies.
FAQ
What is the NYT Strands theme for June 20, 2025?
The theme for today’s NYT Strands puzzle is Just a dusting.
What are the NYT Strands hints and answers for June 20, 2025?
Today’s Strands puzzle is mainly vertical, featuring answers related to products used in a fine-grained form. The Spangram answer is Powders.
What was yesterday’s NYT Strands answer?
The answer to yesterday’s puzzle (June 19, 2025) was RoadTrip. You can find its hints here.
