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.

17 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “Gait Keeping”

Today’s Strands was all about how you move, not just where you go. With the theme Gait Keeping, this puzzle brought a whimsical twist to walking styles — from graceful prances to goofy gallops. It was witty, vivid, and full of character, proving that every step tells a story.

17 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  1. Think Motion: All answers describe ways of moving on foot.
  2. Not Just Walking: Some are energetic, others downright silly.
  3. Old-School Vocabulary: Expect a few quirky, vintage words.
  4. Comedic Vibe: The theme title is a play on “gatekeeping” — but funnier!
  5. Spangram: Inspired by one of the silliest sketches ever created.

17 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • CAPER – a playful skip or leap.
  • CAVORT – to move excitedly, often with joy.
  • PRANCE – a showy, bouncy strut.
  • GALUMPH – clumsy yet endearing movement.
  • SCUTTLE – a quick, short, scampering walk.
  • TRAIPSE – to walk lazily or aimlessly.

Spangram

SILLY WALKS — a nod to the famous Monty Python sketch and the joy of moving with abandon.

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

Today’s Strands wasn’t about getting somewhere — it was about enjoying the walk. From capers to cavorts, it celebrated life’s little strides, each one with its own rhythm and laughter.

It danced between humor and language charm, reminding solvers that even everyday movements can have flair. Each word painted a vivid image — you could almost see them in motion.