Entertainment
Hints and Answers for Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Times‘ latest word game, Strands, challenges players to unravel letters in an intricate grid. Each day features a unique theme, and on June 3, 2025, the theme is ‘That’s proprietary!’.
In Strands, players link letters to form words that fit the daily theme. Words can connect in various directions—up, down, left, right, or diagonally—and they can change direction, creating unusual shapes and patterns. Notably, every letter in the grid is part of an answer. A key element of the game is the ‘spangram’, a single word or phrase that encapsulates the theme and spans the entire grid, either horizontally or vertically.
Today’s spangram is ‘TRADEMARKED‘, addressing a theme centered on well-known brand names that have become almost synonymous with their products. Hints provided include references to common items like tissues and hot tubs, known by their brand names such as KLEENEX and JACUZZI.
Players often find the challenges of Strands more complex than other word games due to its unique twist. Rather than offering limited hints, today’s version provides three clues instead of the usual two, making it potentially more rewarding for players who enjoy a mental workout. ‘When a brand is so popular it becomes a noun’ is one of the hints given to help players connect with the answers.
Strands continues to grow in popularity, attracting fans who prefer its brain-teasing mechanics over simpler games. With the rising interest in daily online puzzles, many enthusiasts are looking for help. Players needing tips can find resources online, which often share answers and strategies to beat the game.
As players engage with today’s puzzle, they may reflect on how trademarked names shape everyday language. Whether you’re a devoted player or just starting, Strands provides a fun way to test your vocabulary in an interactive format.