Issue #593 Fri 17 Oct
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — October 17, 2025
A steady rhythm is not always the goal. Today we look at the ways people move when they are not trying to get anywhere in particular.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Look at a rooster. Look closely.
Human movement and physical comedy.
NON-STANDARD LOCOMOTION
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single compound noun.
10 letters.
Starts with S, ends with S.
SILLYWALKS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (5 letters)
- 2 C (6 letters)
- 3 G (7 letters)
- 4 P (6 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
- 6 T (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CA (5 letters)
- 2 CA (6 letters)
- 3 GA (7 letters)
- 4 PR (6 letters)
- 5 SC (7 letters)
- 6 TR (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Small, playful leaps that suggest a sudden change in direction.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CAPER
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Lively, energetic play in an open space.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CAVORT
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Moving with a heavy, clumsy, and irregular beat.
7 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GA.
GALUMPH
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A high-stepping, rhythmic stride meant to be seen.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PR.
PRANCE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The quick, hurried steps of someone moving away from a loud noise.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCUTTLE
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Walking wearily or without purpose through a long hallway.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRAIPSE
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
- CAPER
- CAVORT
- GALUMPH
- PRANCE
- SCUTTLE
- TRAIPSE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on October 17, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for October 17, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on October 17, 2025?
NYT Strands on October 17, 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 October 17, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 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 October 17, 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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram