Issue #396 Thu 3 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 3, 2025
The grid is a quiet space today, demanding a bit of patience as you trace the connections. It rewards those who look closely at the board.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A magnifying glass held over a patch of dirt, watching six legs navigate a microscopic forest.
The scientific study of small creatures
BRANCH OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single word noun
10 letters.
Starts with E, ends with Y.
ENTOMOLOGY
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (8 letters)
- 2 D (6 letters)
- 3 L (4 letters)
- 4 L (9 letters)
- 5 P (6 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AS (8 letters)
- 2 DO (6 letters)
- 3 LA (4 letters)
- 4 LI (9 letters)
- 5 PO (6 letters)
- 6 ST (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A professional who works in the shadows and leaves no trace behind.
8 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AS.
ASSASSIN
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
What your pen does to the margins of a meeting agenda while you listen.
6 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DO.
DOODLE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A formal title for a woman of high social standing.
4 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LA.
LADY
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A sudden flash across a darkened sky during a summer storm.
9 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LI.
LIGHTNING
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A common root vegetable often mashed or baked for dinner.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PO.
POTATO
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The unpleasant odor that forces you to hold your breath and walk away.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STINK
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
- ASSASSIN
- DOODLE
- LADY
- LIGHTNING
- POTATO
- STINK
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 3, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for April 3, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 3, 2025?
NYT Strands on April 3, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the April 3, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "E" — 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 April 3, 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 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram