Issue #474 Fri 20 Jun
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — June 20, 2025
A light layer covers the surface today. Navigate the grid with care as you uncover these fine particles.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A white cloud rising from the vanity, or the fine grit left at the bottom of the spice rack.
Fine particulate substances
FINELY GROUND PARTICULATE MATTER
Spangram 4 hints · 7 letters
The connector word
A single plural noun.
7 letters.
Starts with P, ends with S.
POWDERS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (4 letters)
- 2 B (6 letters)
- 3 B (8 letters)
- 4 C (5 letters)
- 5 C (5 letters)
- 6 I (7 letters)
- 7 T (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BA (4 letters)
- 2 BA (6 letters)
- 3 BL (8 letters)
- 4 CH (5 letters)
- 5 CO (5 letters)
- 6 IT (7 letters)
- 7 TA (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
You apply this soft, scented dust to keep skin dry and comfortable after a bath.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BA.
BABY
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A process of using dry heat to transform dough into a finished loaf.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BA.
BAKING
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
High-pressure air or debris striking a surface with significant force.
8 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLASTING
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
This spicy red substance adds significant heat to a bowl of stew.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHILI
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A warm, rich beverage served in a mug, often topped with small marshmallows.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COCOA
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
That persistent, prickly sensation on your skin that makes you want to scratch.
7 letters.
Starts with I.
Starts with IT.
ITCHING
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A mineral-based substance often found in a bathroom cabinet for personal hygiene.
6 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TA.
TALCUM
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
- BABY
- BAKING
- BLASTING
- CHILI
- COCOA
- ITCHING
- TALCUM
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on June 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 June 20, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on June 20, 2025?
NYT Strands on June 20, 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 20, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 7 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "P" — 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 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 7-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 7-letter spangram