If you are finding it hard to spot theme words in today's puzzle, then you are in serious need of the Strands hints below. Those bored with sensational games like Wordle and Connections are turning their attention to Strands for a challenging new experience. If you happen to be one of them and are struggling with NYT Strands, we can get you sorted. So, to help you out, we have added the Strands hints, answers, and Spangram on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, below.
NYT Strands is a word game that's part of the growing "Games" library of The New York Times. The aim is to connect letters in a six-by-eight grid to form a bunch of words that share a common theme. If you wish to master the art of NYT Strands and learn some helpful tips and tricks, then learn how to play Strands.
When you first open the puzzle, it will give you a theme for today's NYT Strands that you can use to form multiple "theme" words, along with one "special" word called -- Spangram. This is a word or phrase that spans the length of the grid, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and is actually the key to cracking the rest of the answers in Strands.
The theme for today's Strands on September 16, 2025, is -- Riding high
If you can't figure out the answers for today's puzzle, here's a quick Strands hint -- moving through the air at high speed
Here are hints for a couple of theme words for today's Strands to make it simpler for you to solve the puzzle on your own without having to scroll down to the answers:
Spoiler Warning:
NYT Strands can keep you on your toes every day with its intriguing Spangrams. The Spangram answer for today's Strands on September 16, 2025, is -- ZIPLINING.
Still looking for the theme words to get the answers for today's NYT Strands? You can check them out below:
Missed yesterday's game? Here's the NYT Strands hint for September 15 if you want to catch up.
Based on previous answers and my experience solving NYT Strands, I would rate today's puzzle: 2 out of 5.
On my scale, 1 is the easiest in terms of difficulty and 5 is the hardest. As always, your difficulty level may vary based on experience and know-how of certain topics, so that's subjective.
Want more puzzles? Check out today's Connections hints and answers - it's easy too.
Every NYT Strands puzzle consists of a unique word or phrase that's called the Spangram. This word or set of words will run the length of two opposite sides of the grid. One thing to note here is that a Spangram doesn't necessarily have to originate or end at the edge of the grid.
In its essence, the Spangram is kind of like a bigger hint that sums up today's Strands theme in just a word or two. Since it spans across two sides of the puzzle, solving it early helps you figure out the rest of the theme words and vice versa.
Here are some simple tips and tricks that we suggest you follow to crack the Spangram and theme words for Strands puzzles:
We will meet again for another Strands challenge tomorrow, so until then, sit back and stay tuned to our NYT Games coverage.