Issue #446 Fri 23 May
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — May 23, 2025
A light grid today, though the theme requires a bit of sorting. Keep your wits about you as you untangle the rows.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Where the lawnmower lives, where the mail piles up, where the kids hide.
Pantry staples and garden harvest
TYPES OF LEGUMES
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
A single nine-letter compound word
9 letters.
Starts with B, ends with D.
BEANSALAD
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (5 letters)
- 2 C (10 letters)
- 3 F (4 letters)
- 4 G (5 letters)
- 5 K (6 letters)
- 6 N (4 letters)
- 7 P (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BL (5 letters)
- 2 CA (10 letters)
- 3 FA (4 letters)
- 4 GR (5 letters)
- 5 KI (6 letters)
- 6 NA (4 letters)
- 7 PI (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
These dark, obsidian-hued spheres are a staple in Cuban and Creole cooking.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLACK
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
These long, white Italian legumes are prized for their creamy texture in soups.
10 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CANNELLINI
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
These broad, flat pods are often associated with a classic Hannibal Lecter reference.
4 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FA.
FAVA
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
You might find these vibrant, immature legumes in a succotash or a stir-fry.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GR.
GREEN
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Their distinct curved shape is an exact match for a vital pair of internal organs.
6 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KI.
KIDNEY
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
These tiny, round, white seeds are the primary variety used for baked dishes.
4 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NA.
NAVY
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
These speckled, earthy legumes are a common sight in Southwestern chili recipes.
5 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PI.
PINTO
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
- BLACK
- CANNELLINI
- FAVA
- GREEN
- KIDNEY
- NAVY
- PINTO
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on May 23, 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 23, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on May 23, 2025?
NYT Strands on May 23, 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 May 23, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — 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 23, 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 · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 9-letter spangram