Issue #402 Wed 9 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 9, 2025
Today's grid requires a bit of patience and a steady hand. The structure is straightforward, but the path forward demands a keen eye.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You count them on your fingers when a word feels too long to say in one breath.
Linguistic structure and word formation
WORDS DEFINED BY THEIR RHYTHMIC UNITS
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
13 letters.
Starts with F, ends with S.
FOURSYLLABLES
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (7 letters)
- 2 A (7 letters)
- 3 C (11 letters)
- 4 W (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AR (7 letters)
- 2 AV (7 letters)
- 3 CA (11 letters)
- 4 WA (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 4 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Peppery salad greens that tend to wilt if the dressing hits them too early.
7 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AR.
ARUGULA
Theme word 2 of 4 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A green fruit with a large pit that makes the best kind of toast topping.
7 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AV.
AVOCADO
Theme word 3 of 4 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
A cruciferous vegetable often roasted until it gets crispy edges.
11 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CAULIFLOWER
Theme word 4 of 4 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
A heavy, pink-fleshed summer treat that leaves your hands sticky.
10 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WA.
WATERMELON
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
- ARUGULA
- AVOCADO
- CAULIFLOWER
- WATERMELON
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 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 April 9, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 9, 2025?
NYT Strands on April 9, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 4 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the April 9, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "F" — 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 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 4 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 theme words · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 theme words · 13-letter spangram