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.

About Today's Puzzle

Theme: “On the Syllabus”

Today’s Strands takes us back to the classroom! The theme “On the Syllabus” is a nod to every student’s academic journey — from dreaded exams to those endless reading lists. If you’ve ever juggled assignments, quizzes, and lectures, this one will feel very familiar.

NYT Strands hints: September 23, 2025

Here are eight gentle nudges to guide you toward the answers:

  1. Back to School: Each word is something you’d find in a college syllabus.
  2. Assessment Heavy: Two answers will make students either nervous or motivated.
  3. Writing Required: One word hints at the ultimate term project.
  4. In the Classroom: A word here takes you straight to the professor’s domain.
  5. Required Reading: One answer screams, “Don’t skip this!”
  6. Short and Sweet: Most words are short and academic, not tricky vocabulary.
  7. Clue is in the Theme: If you’ve seen a syllabus, you’ve seen these words.
  8. Follow the Spangram: It’s a two-word phrase that sums up where these things all happen.

NYT Strands answers: September 23, 2025

  • EXAM – the big test
  • QUIZ – the smaller, scarier test that sneaks up on you
  • PAPER – the written assignment you either dread or love
  • LECTURE – what fills your notebook (or your nap time)
  • READING – the homework you might or might not actually do

Spangram

COLLEGE COURSE — the phrase weaving everything together, reminding you where these academic essentials live.

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.

Did you manage to pull off the win?

This puzzle felt like a mini nostalgia trip — or a panic attack flashback! It was neat to see the entire student experience condensed into one grid, from assignments to classroom life.

September 23’s Strands was a perfect mix of academic vibes and puzzle satisfaction. Whether you breezed through or struggled, this one reminded us all of those days when the syllabus ruled our lives.