Issue #570 Wed 24 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 24, 2025
Small shifts in the facial landscape can communicate quite a bit. Today’s grid asks you to identify the unspoken signals we send without saying a word.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A mirror, a camera lens, and the split second before you realize someone is watching you react.
Nonverbal communication
FACIAL GESTURES
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Single word noun
11 letters.
Starts with E, ends with S.
EXPRESSIONS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 F (5 letters)
- 2 G (4 letters)
- 3 G (4 letters)
- 4 P (4 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
- 7 S (5 letters)
- 8 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 FR (5 letters)
- 2 GA (4 letters)
- 3 GR (4 letters)
- 4 PO (4 letters)
- 5 SC (5 letters)
- 6 SM (5 letters)
- 7 SM (5 letters)
- 8 SN (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The downward curve of the lips when a plan falls through.
5 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FR.
FROWN
Theme word 2 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The wide, slack-jawed look of complete astonishment.
4 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GA.
GAPE
Theme word 3 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A broad, teeth-baring response to a good joke.
4 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GR.
GRIN
Theme word 4 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A lower-lip extension that signals deep dissatisfaction.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PO.
POUT
Theme word 5 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A harsh, dark look of displeasure directed at a person.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCOWL
Theme word 6 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The gentle upward lift of the corners of the mouth.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMILE
Theme word 7 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A knowing, one-sided curl of the lips.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMIRK
Theme word 8 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The curled upper lip that signals total disdain.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNEER
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
- FROWN
- GAPE
- GRIN
- POUT
- SCOWL
- SMILE
- SMIRK
- SNEER
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 24, 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 24, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 24, 2025?
NYT Strands on September 24, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 8 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the September 24, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "E" — 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 24, 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 8 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 11-letter spangram