NYT Strands Answers and Hints Unveiled for September 18 Puzzle

The New York Times has released a new Strands puzzle for September 18, 2025. This word game challenges players to find theme-related words on a grid. Today’s theme is “Practice makes perfect.”

Many players find the daily puzzle to be a stimulating mental exercise. The game continues to grow in popularity alongside other NYT Games offerings.

Solving the September 18 Strands Puzzle

The puzzle’s theme provides the main clue for players. According to The New York Times, the hint is “key to playing this instrument successfully.” This points directly toward musical practice and education.

Players must find one Spangram that spans the grid. They must also find several related theme words. The Spangram is a crucial element for solving the entire puzzle.

Official Answers and Theme Words Revealed

The Spangram for today’s puzzle is PIANO LESSONS. It runs vertically from the top to the bottom of the game board. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the day’s theme of dedicated practice.

The full list of theme words includes TUNE, CHORD, and SCALE. Other answers are TECHNIQUE, RECITAL, and THEORY. These words all relate to learning and mastering a musical skill.

Completing today’s NYT Strands puzzle requires connecting musical terms with a theme of diligent improvement. The solution provides a satisfying conclusion for dedicated word game fans.

Info at your fingertips

What is the NYT Strands game?

NYT Strands is a word search puzzle from The New York Times. Players find words that share a common theme on a letter grid. One special word, the Spangram, spans the entire board.

What was the Spangram for September 18?

The Spangram for the September 18 puzzle was PIANO LESSONS. This word ran vertically from the top to the bottom of the game’s grid.

What were the theme words for that day?

The theme words were TUNE, CHORD, SCALE, TECHNIQUE, RECITAL, and THEORY. All words related to music practice and education.

Where can I play NYT Strands?

The game is available on The New York Times Games website. It requires a subscription to access after an initial free period.

How difficult was the September 18 puzzle?

The puzzle was considered relatively straightforward. Its musical theme was familiar to many players, making the words easier to find.

Trusted Sources: The New York Times