Hints and Solutions for Strands: April 3, 2025 – The Theme is “Get the Bug”
On the lookout for insights and solutions to today’s Strands puzzle? Look no further! This installment is themed “Get the Bug,” and below you’ll find some helpful clues, tips, and ultimately the answers you seek.
For convenient daily access to our Strands tips, you can bookmark this page. Additionally, past hints are archived there, so you can catch up on any puzzles you may have missed.
Following this introduction, expect some subtle hints for today’s Strands answers. Keep scrolling to discover more, but remember to take only the assistance you truly need!
Clue for the Spangram in Today’s Strands
A technical term relating to the study of insects.
Clue for the Thematic Words in Today’s Strands
Terms that follow the format “___ bug” associated with insects.
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead for Today’s Strands!
The answers to today’s Strands puzzle are about to be revealed.
What is the Spangram for Today’s Strands?
The spangram for today is ENTOMOLOGY.
What are the Thematic Words for Today’s Strands?
Today’s theme words are: LIGHTNING, LADY, STINK, ASSASSIN, POTATO, DOODLE.
Check out the completed board for a visual of the solved puzzle:
Insights on Solving Today’s Strands
The theme evokes a sense of intrigue, reminiscent of how someone might express, “She caught the acting bug,” or it could refer to literal insects, as well as ailments often termed as “bugs.”
Noticing DOODLE in the bottom right corner signifies the word “doodlebug,” a type of insect. 🔵
POTATO appears in the lower left area, indicating that we’re on the right track with words linked to “bug.” 🔵
ASSASSIN is highlighted in the central section. 🔵 (Those are quite intimidating.)
The spangram, ENTOMOLOGY, indicating the study of insects, has been identified. 🟡
In the upper right corner, there’s STINK. 🔵
LADY is positioned next to STINK. 🔵
Finally, there’s LIGHTNING. 🔵
Strands #396 "Get the bug" 🔵🔵🔵🟡 🔵🔵🔵
How to Participate in Strands
The Strands game can be accessed via the New York Times website and also through the NYT Games app.
Upon starting, a game board filled with various letters will appear, accompanied by a hint indicating the theme of the board—usually a phrase like “Better with age.” Your task is to unearth the hidden words within the board that align with this theme.
A Blend of Crossword and Word Search
The primary word to locate is the “spangram,” which succinctly reflects the puzzle’s theme (e.g., for “Better with age,” the spangram is FERMENTED). This spangram will extend fully across the board, either horizontally or vertically (hence the term). Discovering the spangram generally simplifies the remainder of the puzzle.
In Strands, words can be arranged in any direction (vertically, horizontally, diagonally), and each letter can only be used a single time. There will always be one definitive solution. Correctly recognizing a puzzle word will highlight it in blue (like KOMBUCHA, MISO, or KIMCHI).
If challenge arises, any non-themed words that are four letters or longer can be submitted for a hint. Submitting three valid non-theme words unlocks the “Hint” button, which, when clicked, will highlight all letters in one of the theme words. The letters must still be arranged accurately to form that word. If hints are in play, using an additional hint before solving a given word will reorganize its letters.
Winning Strands
Unlike other games such as Connections and Wordle, there is no way to lose in Strands. Guesses will either yield a correct answer, provide credit towards a hint, or prompt a visual shake if a word is deemed too short or invalid. There is no limit on guesses, nor is there a time constraint.
Victory is achieved when all letters on the board have been identified, including the spangram and every theme word. Upon completion, a shareable card illustrating your performance for the day will be displayed: blue dots 🔵 identify theme words discovered, the yellow dot 🟡 signifies the spangram, while a lightbulb 💡 denotes words that were hinted at.
