Issue #480 Thu 26 Jun
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — June 26, 2025
The morning light hits the grid with a quiet authority. It is a day for careful movement through the thicket.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Tall boots, a cold morning in the brush, and the sudden sound of wings rising from the weeds.
Field sports and outdoor pursuits
WILDLIFE HARVESTED IN THE FIELD
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
A single compound noun
9 letters.
Starts with G, ends with S.
GAMEBIRDS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 G (5 letters)
- 2 G (6 letters)
- 3 P (9 letters)
- 4 P (8 letters)
- 5 Q (5 letters)
- 6 T (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 GO (5 letters)
- 2 GR (6 letters)
- 3 PA (9 letters)
- 4 PH (8 letters)
- 5 QU (5 letters)
- 6 TU (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A honking visitor that leaves a trail of feathers across the local park pond.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GO.
GOOSE
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
This ground-dwelling creature is known for its low, rumbling call in the high country.
6 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GR.
GROUSE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A classic inhabitant of the pear tree that favors hiding in dense hedgerows.
9 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PA.
PARTRIDGE
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
Look for the long, iridescent tail feathers trailing through the tall grass.
8 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PH.
PHEASANT
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Small, speckled, and quick to scatter into the underbrush at the slightest sound.
5 letters.
Starts with Q.
Starts with QU.
QUAIL
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A large, warty-necked bird that often takes center stage during autumn feasts.
6 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TU.
TURKEY
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
- GOOSE
- GROUSE
- PARTRIDGE
- PHEASANT
- QUAIL
- TURKEY
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on June 26, 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 26, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on June 26, 2025?
NYT Strands on June 26, 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 June 26, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "G" — 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 26, 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 · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 9-letter spangram