Issue #513 Tue 29 Jul
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — July 29, 2025
A steady hand and a clear eye serve the grid well today. Some days require patience, others demand a bit of extra focus to pull the pieces into alignment.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A watchmaker adjusting a hairspring under a magnifying lens, breath held, hands perfectly still.
Effort and high standards
MEASURES OF DILIGENCE
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Two-word noun phrase
11 letters.
Starts with T, ends with S.
TAKINGPAINS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (8 letters)
- 2 E (5 letters)
- 3 P (11 letters)
- 4 P (7 letters)
- 5 S (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AC (8 letters)
- 2 EX (5 letters)
- 3 PE (11 letters)
- 4 PR (7 letters)
- 5 ST (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The bullseye hit dead center after a dozen tries.
8 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AC.
ACCURATE
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The final count matched the ledger to the penny.
5 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXACT
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
Checking the seams of the upholstery for a single loose thread.
11 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PERSNICKETY
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Aligning the compass points until the needle stops wavering.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PR.
PRECISE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The library rule requiring absolute silence in the reading room.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STRICT
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
- ACCURATE
- EXACT
- PERSNICKETY
- PRECISE
- STRICT
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on July 29, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for July 29, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on July 29, 2025?
NYT Strands on July 29, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the July 29, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "T" — 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 July 29, 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 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 11-letter spangram