Issue #371 Sun 9 Mar
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — March 9, 2025
A quiet Sunday morning grid that rewards the patient observer. Take your time with the corners.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Look at a rooster. Look closely.
Domestic animal instincts and physical actions
ANIMAL ACTIONS
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
11 letters.
Starts with C, ends with R.
CATBEHAVIOR
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (5 letters)
- 2 H (4 letters)
- 3 P (6 letters)
- 4 P (4 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
- 6 S (7 letters)
- 7 S (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BL (5 letters)
- 2 HI (4 letters)
- 3 PO (6 letters)
- 4 PU (4 letters)
- 5 SN (7 letters)
- 6 ST (7 letters)
- 7 SW (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A slow closing of the eyelids that serves as a sign of trust.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLINK
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The sharp, breathy warning sound made when feeling threatened.
4 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HI.
HISS
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A sudden spring into the air to catch a moving target.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PO.
POUNCE
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A low, vibrating sound that indicates deep contentment.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PU.
PURR
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Curling up into a tight ball against a warm lap.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNUGGLE
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Extending the front limbs fully to loosen up after a long nap.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STRETCH
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A quick, playful strike with an open paw.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SW.
SWAT
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- BLINK
- HISS
- POUNCE
- PURR
- SNUGGLE
- STRETCH
- SWAT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on March 9, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for March 9, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on March 9, 2025?
NYT Strands on March 9, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the March 9, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "C" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on March 9, 2025?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram