Issue #443 Tue 20 May
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — May 20, 2025
The table is set with a certain level of formality today. A patient approach to the grid will reveal the sequence of the meal.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
White linen, a single candle, and the quiet clink of silver against porcelain.
Upscale culinary experiences
HIGH END RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Compound noun
10 letters.
Starts with F, ends with G.
FINEDINING
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (10 letters)
- 2 C (6 letters)
- 3 D (7 letters)
- 4 E (6 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
- 6 S (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AP (10 letters)
- 2 CH (6 letters)
- 3 DE (7 letters)
- 4 EN (6 letters)
- 5 SA (5 letters)
- 6 SO (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
Small bites intended to stimulate the palate before the main event.
10 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AP.
APPETIZERS
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A board served with crackers and fruit, often enjoyed with wine.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHEESE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The final course, usually something sweet to conclude the meal.
7 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DE.
DESSERT
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The primary portion of a meal that follows the earlier courses.
6 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EN.
ENTREE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A chilled bowl of greens, vegetables, and dressing.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SA.
SALAD
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A warm, liquid dish often served in a bowl with a spoon.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOUP
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
- APPETIZERS
- CHEESE
- DESSERT
- ENTREE
- SALAD
- SOUP
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on May 20, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for May 20, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on May 20, 2025?
NYT Strands on May 20, 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 May 20, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 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 May 20, 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