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.

14 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “This and That”

14 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  1. Think Dual Meanings: Some words might have both solid and swinging interpretations.
  2. Grounded Yet Groovy: The theme bridges earth and energy.
  3. Natural Elements: You’ll find multiple types of… well, rocks.
  4. Musical Edge: The spangram ties the puzzle together with rhythm and flair.
  5. When in Doubt: Follow the rocky road to revelation!

14 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • STONE – solid, classic, foundational.
  • DINNER – as in rock and roll, think of “dinner roll.”
  • JELLY – because every jam needs some jelly!
  • CRESCENT – smooth like the moon… or a buttery roll.
  • PEBBLE – small but mighty.
  • BOULDER – the giant of the group, impossible to miss.

Spangram

ROCK AND ROLL — a brilliant phrase tying together both stone and sound, blending rhythm and solidity.

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

Today’s Strands was all about balance — strength and style, rock and rhythm, this and that. Sometimes, the best puzzles hit every note and leave you nodding to the beat of your own brilliance.

It was witty, lighthearted, and rhythmically fun — combining geology and music in a clever twist. A satisfying puzzle that rolled as smoothly as it rocked.