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.

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

Today’s Strands was a love letter to writing itself — the feel of sharpened pencils, the scent of cedarwood, and the simple joy of creation. With the theme “The Write Stuff”, it celebrated the humble tools that have fueled ideas, art, and imagination for centuries.

28 October 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of what’s inside every pencil case.
  • It’s not digital — it’s delightfully old-school.
  • Wood, lead, and graphite might lead the way.
  • Writers, artists, students — everyone uses these.
  • Spangram Hint: A playful phrase about scheduling… and stationery.

28 October 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • ERASER – For every mistake that’s really just a first draft.
  • REFILL – Because running out of ink is never an option.
  • SHARPENER – The satisfying start to every new idea.
  • CEDARWOOD – The signature scent of fresh pencils and creativity.

Spangram

PENCIL ME IN — a witty phrase that ties together writing tools and plans, blending creativity with a dash of wordplay.

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 28’s Strands was a quiet ode to craftsmanship — a reminder that sometimes the simplest tools spark the greatest ideas. Every answer felt like a gentle stroke of inspiration.

“The Write Stuff” was simple yet deeply nostalgic — it reminded solvers of crisp notebooks, doodled margins, and the tactile joy of creating something by hand. A small, satisfying puzzle for the creative soul.