Issue #468 Sat 14 Jun
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — June 14, 2025
Today's grid requires a steady hand and a keen eye for geometry. We return to the basics of national design.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You look up at a pole in the town square, watching the fabric snap and pull against a stiff wind.
Vexillology and national identity
COMPONENTS OF NATIONAL BANNERS
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with F, ends with L.
FLAGSYMBOL
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (5 letters)
- 2 C (5 letters)
- 3 M (4 letters)
- 4 S (6 letters)
- 5 S (4 letters)
- 6 S (6 letters)
- 7 T (8 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CR (5 letters)
- 2 CR (5 letters)
- 3 MO (4 letters)
- 4 SH (6 letters)
- 5 ST (4 letters)
- 6 ST (6 letters)
- 7 TR (8 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Two lines intersecting at a right angle, often found on a medic's kit.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CR.
CROSS
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The heavy, golden headpiece worn by a monarch during an investiture.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CR.
CROWN
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A pale, cratered orb that pulls the tides back and forth.
4 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MO.
MOON
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A flat, reinforced piece of armor held to deflect an incoming blow.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHIELD
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A distant, burning point of light in the night sky.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STAR
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A long, narrow band of color running horizontally across a surface.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STRIPE
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A three-sided geometric shape with sharp, internal corners.
8 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRIANGLE
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
- CROSS
- CROWN
- MOON
- SHIELD
- STAR
- STRIPE
- TRIANGLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on June 14, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for June 14, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on June 14, 2025?
NYT Strands on June 14, 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 June 14, 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 June 14, 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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 10-letter spangram