Issue #481 Fri 27 Jun
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — June 27, 2025
A gentle day for those who prefer their puzzles with a bit of grit under the fingernails. This grid rewards those who keep their eyes on the perimeter.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The dry, gritty residue left on your hands after an afternoon spent entirely in the backyard.
Outdoor children's activities
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Single compound noun
11 letters.
Starts with S, ends with S.
SANDBOXTOYS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (6 letters)
- 2 F (6 letters)
- 3 M (4 letters)
- 4 R (4 letters)
- 5 S (6 letters)
- 6 S (6 letters)
- 7 T (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BU (6 letters)
- 2 FU (6 letters)
- 3 MO (4 letters)
- 4 RA (4 letters)
- 5 SH (6 letters)
- 6 SI (6 letters)
- 7 TR (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
You fill this to the brim with loose earth and then flip it over to create a foundation.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BUCKET
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A narrow spout meant to guide grains into a tight space without making a mess.
6 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FU.
FUNNEL
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Press damp earth into this to give your architectural creation a distinct shape.
4 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MO.
MOLD
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Use the long handle to clear away leaves or smooth out the surface of your work area.
4 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RA.
RAKE
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The essential tool for digging deep or moving large quantities of material.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHOVEL
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Shake this back and forth to separate the fine particles from the heavy debris.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SI.
SIFTER
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A heavy-duty vehicle designed to haul your construction materials across the yard.
5 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRUCK
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
- BUCKET
- FUNNEL
- MOLD
- RAKE
- SHOVEL
- SIFTER
- TRUCK
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on June 27, 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 27, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on June 27, 2025?
NYT Strands on June 27, 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 27, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "S" — 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 27, 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 · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram