NYT Strands today: Check theme, hints, and Spangram for March 11, 2025

strands

Puzzle lovers woke up to a magical theme in today’s New York Times Strands puzzle. The latest edition, numbered #373, has players searching for words related to the theme “What’s the magic word?”—a playful nod to classic phrases used in magic tricks.

For those unfamiliar, Strands is a word search-style puzzle where players must find hidden words related to a given theme. The challenge is to locate all theme words, including a special word called the “spangram,” which stretches from one side of the board to the other, using every letter on the grid.

Today’s puzzle offered hints such as “Pull a rabbit out of your hat,” pointing solvers toward common magical expressions. Players who needed extra help could unlock hints by finding any three words with at least four letters. Some words that helped uncover hints included “SLAT,” “CATS,” “SPELL,” and “SCAR.”

The theme words for today were a collection of familiar magic-related phrases: “TADA,” “PRESTO,” “SHAZAM,” “ALAKAZAM,” and “ABRACADABRA.” These words are often associated with magicians performing tricks, making them a fitting choice for the puzzle’s theme.

The highlight of the challenge, the spangram, was “CASTINGSPELLS.” To find it, players had to start with the letter C, five rows down on the leftmost side, and trace their way through the board.

Strands, which continues to grow in popularity, provides a fresh take on traditional word puzzles by combining themed word searches with an element of strategy. It challenges players to think creatively while also rewarding perseverance with hints along the way.

As players celebrate solving today’s magic-inspired puzzle, anticipation builds for what theme will come next. Whether it’s an easy ride or a brainteaser that stumps even seasoned solvers, one thing is certain—Strands keeps word game enthusiasts coming back for more.