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.

20 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “For the picking”

Today’s Strands puzzle was a clever nod to both the post office and everyday paperwork — the kind of details that keep things running smoothly. The theme It’s in the Mail reminded solvers that communication (and order) often depends on checking the right boxes.

20 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Paper Trail: Think about what goes on or with a form.
  • Banking & Billing: These words could fit on a check or an envelope.
  • Details Matter: Every item belongs to something official.
  • Routine but Vital: You probably write or type these often.
  • Spangram: What helps you make sure you’ve included everything.

20 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • AMOUNT – the total or sum written out.
  • MEMO – a short note or message attached.
  • SIGNATURE – your personal stamp of approval.
  • NUMBER – identifying digits for order or reference.
  • ADDRESS – the destination for delivery.
  • ROUTING – guiding where things should go.

Spangram

CHECKLIST — the perfect phrase uniting today’s words, reminding us to review before sending anything off.

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

October 20’s Strands combined organization and clarity in one neat package. Proof that sometimes, the best puzzles aren’t flashy — they’re simply well-signed, sealed, and delivered.

It was satisfying and practical — a tidy little reminder of life’s everyday admin moments. Each answer felt like ticking off a to-do, and that final CHECKLIST moment? Pure completion joy.