NYT Strands Puzzle Hints and Answers for May 19, 2025

Introduction to NYT Strands

On May 19, 2025, the New York Times introduced its latest puzzle game, NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle invites players to uncover words based on a specific theme, including a unique Spangram that spans two sides of the grid.

A Brief History of Crossword Puzzles

The New York Times made history by publishing its inaugural crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. This marked 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 'Taking the bait'.

Hints for Today's Strands

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

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 NYT Strands on May 19, 2025

• TROUT


• SALMON


• HALIBUT


• MACKEREL


• SNAPPER

Today's Spangram

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

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 on a 6 x 8-inch board and a daily theme. The objective is to solve the Spangram and identify all the theme-related words.

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

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

Tips for Solving the Puzzle

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

Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram that connects two opposite sides of the board, summarizing the theme and 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.