Strands Puzzle Solution: Today’s NYT Answers and Hints Revealed

Players of The New York Times’ newest word game, Strands, faced a mail-themed challenge. The puzzle for Monday, October 20, 2025, centered on the clue “It’s in the mail.” Solvers needed to find words related to sending a check through the postal service.

The game requires finding a Spangram that connects two sides of the grid. This word is crucial for understanding the day’s theme.

Spangram and Theme Words Unlocked

Today’s Spangram was CHECKLIST. This word ran horizontally across the puzzle board. It perfectly captured the theme of items found on a bank check.

The six theme words were all components of a standard check. These included MEMO, AMOUNT, and SIGNATURE. Other answers were NUMBER, ADDRESS, and ROUTING.

Solving Strategies and Difficulty Assessment

According to The New York Times, Strands is designed to be a logical yet challenging word hunt. The game tests both vocabulary and pattern recognition skills. Today’s puzzle was considered moderately easy for regular players.

The difficulty was rated 2 out of 5. This rating suggests the puzzle was accessible for most skill levels. The clear theme helped guide players toward the correct word associations.

Today’s Strands puzzle provided a satisfying solve for word game enthusiasts. The CHECKLIST theme offered a coherent and logical path to completion. Players can look forward to a new challenge with tomorrow’s puzzle.

Info at your fingertips

What was the theme for today’s Strands?

The theme was “It’s in the mail.” All theme words related to components found on a bank check that could be sent through the postal system.

What is a Spangram in NYT Strands?

A Spangram is a special word that spans the entire puzzle grid. It connects two opposite sides and summarizes the puzzle’s overall theme.

How difficult was today’s Strands puzzle?

Today’s puzzle was rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty. This indicates a moderately easy challenge that most players could solve with logical thinking.

Can I play previous Strands puzzles?

Yes. The New York Times Games subscription provides access to an archive. Players can select past dates to solve older puzzles.

Where does the Spangram appear on the grid?

The Spangram can run vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. It must touch two opposite sides of the puzzle board.