Issue #417 Thu 24 Apr
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — April 24, 2025
A steady, tactile day at the desk. The grid offers a few textures that demand a firm grip.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You run a thumb over the edge of a brick and feel the grit snagging your skin.
Physical textures and tactile surfaces
ABRASIVE MATERIALS
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with R, ends with F.
ROUGHSTUFF
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (4 letters)
- 2 L (6 letters)
- 3 P (6 letters)
- 4 R (4 letters)
- 5 S (9 letters)
- 6 S (9 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BA (4 letters)
- 2 LO (6 letters)
- 3 PU (6 letters)
- 4 RO (4 letters)
- 5 SA (9 letters)
- 6 SA (9 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Look at a tree trunk and notice the protective, weathered outer layer.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BA.
BARK
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The shower accessory that is actually a dried gourd.
6 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LO.
LOOFAH
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A light, volcanic stone used to soften calloused heels.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PU.
PUMICE
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Twisted fibers used for tying down cargo or climbing.
4 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RO.
ROPE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A heavy, woven fabric historically worn as a sign of penance or mourning.
9 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SA.
SACKCLOTH
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
The abrasive sheet you use to smooth wood before applying a coat of paint.
9 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SA.
SANDPAPER
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
- BARK
- LOOFAH
- PUMICE
- ROPE
- SACKCLOTH
- SANDPAPER
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on April 24, 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 24, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on April 24, 2025?
NYT Strands on April 24, 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 24, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "R" — 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 24, 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