Today’s Strands puzzle centered on transparent and vision-related objects — a straightforward theme with familiar items. The constructor favored common optics vocabulary, so most answers felt natural; the spangram nicely tied the list together with a short, evocative phrase.

15 November 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “We can see right through them”

15 November 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of everyday items that help you see — from casual wear to optical instruments.
  • Look for both singular and plural forms; some words may bend around corners.
  • Scan long rows for multi-syllable words first — they’re easier to spot and clear lots of letters.
  • Expect overlapping letters: eyewear terms often share common sequences (L-E-N, G-L-A, etc.).
  • Spangram: the puzzle’s spangram ties the list together around the idea of shared vision.

15 November 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • binoculars (long-range viewing instrument)
  • spectacles (classic term for eyeglasses)
  • goggles (protective eyewear, often wraparound)
  • glasses (everyday eyewear; common crossword favorite)
  • lenses (optical elements used in many devices)

Spangram

EYE TO EYE — The spangram connects every entry with the idea of vision and shared perspective; its letters appear across the grid and bind the theme into a revealing phrase.

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 5–8 theme words.

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

This puzzle played as a friendly, moderately easy round thanks to familiar vocabulary and a concise spangram. Nicely satisfying if you like optics words — how many did you find eye to eye?