Entertainment
Unraveling Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle Secrets

NEW YORK, March 13, 2025 – Today’s New York Times Strands puzzle, game number 375, challenges players with a theme titled ‘What goes around comes around.’ This unique word-search game is currently in beta testing and requires solvers to identify words connected by a common theme, along with a special word known as a spangram.
The Strands game presents a six by eight grid of letters, where players seek out words related to a specified theme. Once a theme word is uncovered, it will remain highlighted in blue. The spangram, which often ties the theme together, is highlighted in yellow and can be a proper name.
According to the New York Times, today’s hints revolve around concepts related to rebound or return, emphasizing words like ‘bounce’, ‘rebound’, and ‘ricochet.’ As the game’s editor Tracy Bennett hints, players can expect curveballs in difficulty akin to the popular Wordle.
“Some themes will involve fill-in-the-blank phrases or items that belong to the same category,” Bennett stated. “It’s all about keeping solvers on their toes and excited about the next challenge.”
The spangram for today’s game is ‘NICECOMEBACK,’ which links various theme words: ‘REBOUND’, ‘RICOCHET’, ‘BOOMERANG’, ‘BOUNCE’, and ‘RETURN.’ These words reflect the idea of motion that comes full circle, rather than focusing solely on the world of sports.
The game has steadily gained popularity, paralleling other NYT offerings like Wordle and Connections. It is available for play on both desktop and mobile platforms, with a new puzzle released daily at midnight local time.
Players may find it beneficial to recognize that hints typically provide vague directions. For example, a phrase to help define the puzzle might be the two-word encouragement ‘NICE COMEBACK,’ often used in competitive scenarios. As players delve into the mechanics, they grasp that the concept revolves around motion cycles—akin to a bouncing ball or boomerang returning to its thrower.
Strands adds a layer of excitement, drawing in not only seasoned puzzle enthusiasts but also newcomers from diverse backgrounds. As the game evolves, so does its strategy, encouraging players to adapt and learn as they engage with daily puzzles.
While today’s answers have been highlighted here, players are advised to explore the puzzle fully and uncover the words independently. For ongoing assistance, historical clues and hints remain available for those who wish to revisit past games. The NYT Strands game continues to entice players with a blend of enjoyment and challenge, ensuring that each day’s puzzle remains fresh and engaging.