Issue #559 Sat 13 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 13, 2025
Saturday puzzles usually require a bit more patience as the grid stretches out. Take your time with the connections today.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A high-five that lands just right, the nod from someone who knows you nailed it, and the total absence of doubt.
Complimentary assessments of quality
HIGHLY POSITIVE EVALUATIONS
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
A three-word phrase written as one string.
11 letters.
Starts with T, ends with T.
THEYREGREAT
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (4 letters)
- 2 A (5 letters)
- 3 E (12 letters)
- 4 L (5 letters)
- 5 M (5 letters)
- 6 P (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AP (4 letters)
- 2 AU (5 letters)
- 3 EX (12 letters)
- 4 LA (5 letters)
- 5 MI (5 letters)
- 6 PL (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Look at a gorilla. Look closely.
4 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AP.
APES
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The ones who always squeeze your cheeks at a family reunion.
5 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AU.
AUNTS
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 12 letters
A theme word
The heavy weight of what you hope will happen by next Tuesday.
12 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EX.
EXPECTATIONS
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Still water deep enough to swallow a rowboat.
5 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LA.
LAKES
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Where you keep the grocery list you forgot to bring to the store.
5 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MI.
MINDS
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A flat stretch of grass where the horizon never ends.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PL.
PLAINS
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
- APES
- AUNTS
- EXPECTATIONS
- LAKES
- MINDS
- PLAINS
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 13, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for September 13, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 13, 2025?
NYT Strands on September 13, 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 September 13, 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 September 13, 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 · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 11-letter spangram