Issue #652 Thu 3 Jul
Strands hints — July 3, 2025
A steady, rhythmic afternoon calls for something reliable. Today's grid offers a measured pace for those who prefer their wordplay without any unnecessary friction.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A sticky puddle on the sidewalk, the slow drip from a cone, and the inevitable rush to finish before the sun wins.
Frozen dairy desserts
FROZEN DESSERT VARIETIES
Spangram 4 nudges · 8 letters
The connector word
Compound noun
8 letters.
Starts with I, ends with M.
ICECREAM
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (7 letters)
- 2 B (12 letters)
- 3 C (6 letters)
- 4 C (6 letters)
- 5 P (9 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BR (7 letters)
- 2 BU (12 letters)
- 3 CH (6 letters)
- 4 CO (6 letters)
- 5 PI (9 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A dense, baked square often found studded with walnuts or chocolate chips.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BROWNIE
Theme word 2 of 5 5 nudges · 12 letters
A theme word
A rich, golden confection made by boiling brown sugar and butter together.
12 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BUTTERSCOTCH
Theme word 3 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A small, round stone fruit often placed atop a sundae as a bright crimson garnish.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHERRY
Theme word 4 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A dark, roasted beverage that keeps the morning moving.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COFFEE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 nudges · 9 letters
A theme word
A distinctive green nut harvested from trees, often used to flavor Mediterranean pastries.
9 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PI.
PISTACHIO