Issue #623 Tue 3 Jun
Strands hints — June 3, 2025
A Tuesday morning for the lexicographically inclined. Keep your eyes sharp and your pen steady as we navigate this grid.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The small symbol sitting next to a company name, signaling that the identity is strictly spoken for.
Intellectual property and corporate branding
PROTECTED COMMERCIAL IDENTIFIERS
Spangram 4 nudges · 11 letters
The connector word
A single word derived from a compound base
11 letters.
Starts with T, ends with D.
TRADEMARKED
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (9 letters)
- 2 J (7 letters)
- 3 K (7 letters)
- 4 P (8 letters)
- 5 V (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CH (9 letters)
- 2 JA (7 letters)
- 3 KL (7 letters)
- 4 PO (8 letters)
- 5 VE (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 nudges · 9 letters
A theme word
A waxy cylinder kept in a pocket to soothe dry skin on a winter afternoon.
9 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHAPSTICK
Theme word 2 of 5 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
Steaming water jets swirling in a backyard basin after a long day.
7 letters.
Starts with J.
Starts with JA.
JACUZZI
Theme word 3 of 5 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
Soft, disposable paper squares pulled from a box during a stubborn head cold.
7 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KL.
KLEENEX
Theme word 4 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
A frozen treat on a stick that turns your tongue a bright, artificial color.
8 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PO.
POPSICLE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
The distinct, harsh ripping sound when pulling two fabric strips apart.
6 letters.
Starts with V.
Starts with VE.
VELCRO