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.

For September 10, 2025, today’s theme is: Keep it classy

That means every word you need to find connects back to this idea — but spotting them isn’t always as straightforward as you think.

About today’s puzzle

Today’s board gives you a 9×9 grid of letters, and your goal is to uncover 7 theme words hidden inside. Each word relates to the clue “Keep it classy.”

Remember, words can be read in any direction: left to right, top to bottom, diagonals, or even backwards. As you play, every correct word you find clears from the grid, making the rest easier to spot.

NYT Strands answers: September 10, 2025

Here are the 7 theme words connected to “Keep it classy”:

  • Lunch
  • Recess
  • School schedule (SPANGRAM ALERT!)
  • English
  • Science
  • Math
  • Music

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.

Were you able to strand the words?

The Strands puzzle for September 10, 2025, was all about sophistication and style with the theme “Keep it classy.” Whether you solved it on your own, leaned on a hint, or checked back here for answers, the joy of Strands is that it sharpens both your word search skills and your creative thinking.

Check back tomorrow for another breakdown — and in the meantime, drop your favorite finds from today’s grid in the comments!