If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re not alone. It’s a fresh word game from the New York Times that combines elements of a word search with clever, theme-based twists.

11 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “That's branding”

Today’s puzzle took us into the world of logos, marketing, and instant recognition. With just one glance, some symbols tell entire stories — and that’s exactly what this theme celebrated.

11 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  1. Think global icons — you’ve seen these on screens, stores, and sneakers.
  2. Simplicity sells — minimal yet unforgettable designs.
  3. Each clue represents a company or platform you instantly recognize.
  4. No text needed — these stand out without words.
  5. Spangram hint: The phrase ties all these symbols together.

11 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • PEACOCK – a vibrant emblem from NBC
  • APPLE – the sleek bite that changed tech forever
  • SWOOSH – Nike’s signature of speed and motion
  • SEARCH – a nod to Google’s global dominance
  • BULLSEYE – the unmistakable mark of Target

Spangram

ICONIC LOGO — the phrase that defines timeless branding and recognition.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:

  • You’re given a theme.
  • The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
  • Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
  • Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.

How to get and use hints

Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:

  • To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
  • Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
  • When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.

Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

It played on instant recognition — the kind of brand familiarity we all carry subconsciously. Simple, sharp, and satisfying, it was a reminder that even symbols can tell stories.

Strands for October 11 was all about visual language and identity. It made us pause and appreciate how a single image can speak volumes — no words needed, just pure branding brilliance.