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.

27 October 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “Witch way?”

Today’s Strands brewed up a cauldron of magic, mystery, and a touch of Halloween spirit. With the theme “Witch Way?”, the puzzle took us into a world of spells, potions, and ancient power — where every word whispered enchantment.

27 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think spellbooks, not textbooks.
  • It’s all about magic — the kind with candles and chants.
  • October energy is strong in this one.
  • The theme is a pun — look for witchy objects and rituals.
  • Spangram Hint: It’s the word that unites all forms of magical craft.

27 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • AMULET – A charm worn for protection or luck.
  • CAULDRON – The witch’s bubbling workshop of spells.
  • CHARM – A small act or object of enchantment.
  • INCANTATION – The rhythmic chant that awakens the spell.
  • POTION – Magic in liquid form, brewed with precision (and mischief).
  • WAND – The witch’s and wizard’s trusted channel of power.

Spangram

WIZARDRY — the perfect word to tie together every charm, spell, and magical artifact in the mix.

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 27’s Strands was a bewitching reminder that magic isn’t just in spells — it’s in words, symbols, and the energy we bring to them. A true spell of delight cast in six perfect clues.

“Witch Way?” captured the whimsical, mystical side of October perfectly. It was playful yet enchanting — the kind of puzzle that feels like lighting a candle under a full moon and letting your imagination dance.