What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a brain-teasing word puzzle recently introduced by The New York Times as part of its growing digital Games section. Players are given a 6-by-8 letter grid and must discover words that relate to a shared theme. The twist lies in identifying a Spangram, a word or phrase that stretches across the grid, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, encapsulating the day’s puzzle theme and unlocking the solution to other hidden words.
Today’s Theme: ‘Chips In’
For July 23, 2025, the NYT Strands puzzle’s theme was titled “Chips In” — a cheeky nod to a category of culinary favorites frequently served as appetizers or party snacks. The theme nudged solvers to think in terms of dips that complement chips, crackers, or raw veggies.The key to cracking the puzzle was in spotting the flavors hidden within — not literally, but linguistically. Whether it’s creamy, chunky, spicy, or savory, today’s answers were as diverse as a platter at a summer barbecue.
Hints to Savor
To guide players toward the solution, two subtle clues were presented:
- Hint #1 described a classic Mediterranean accompaniment: a Greek dish made of yogurt, cucumber, and mint — often recognized as Tzatziki.
- Hint #2 invoked a staple of Mexican cuisine: a mashed avocado dish with onions, tomatoes, and spices — better known as Guacamole.
These clues pointed solvers toward a wider theme involving party dips that might accompany chips at a social gathering.
Spangram Revealed
The Spangram is often the centerpiece of any NYT Strands puzzle. For July 23, the Spangram stretched horizontally across the grid and began with the letters “PA.” With the additional hint — “creamy or chunky mixtures served with chips or vegetables” — players quickly connected the dots to form the word “PartyDips.”
This central clue tied together all other answers in the puzzle, offering a cohesive framework to work from.
All Theme Words in Today’s Puzzle
The full list of theme words, once discovered, confirmed the party platter idea:
- SALSA
- FONDUE
- HUMMUS
- GUACAMOLE
- TZATZIKI
- QUESO
Each of these items is a well-known dip or accompaniment for chips or other snacks, reinforcing the “Chips In” motif. Notably, the diversity of cuisines — from Middle Eastern hummus to Swiss fondue — highlighted the global appeal of party dips.
How the Puzzle Progressed
For many players, the solve began with relatively familiar dips like Salsa and Fondue, providing early momentum. Once the common thread of dips was recognized, others like Queso and Hummus quickly followed. The Spangram “PartyDips” then acted as a helpful anchor, bridging the rest of the theme words and leading to a satisfying completion of the puzzle.
What Makes the Spangram Special?
The Spangram — short for “spanning anagram” — is a uniquely positioned answer that crosses the entire puzzle grid. Unlike other theme words, the Spangram doesn’t have to touch the edge of the grid but must extend between two opposing sides. Its purpose is to act as a macro clue that defines the puzzle’s thematic essence. Spotting the Spangram early can make a dramatic difference in solving efficiency.
On days like July 23, where the theme is especially vivid, the Spangram becomes not just a hint — but a rewarding eureka moment for solvers.
Growing Popularity of NYT Strands
While Wordle and Connections continue to enjoy a loyal following, NYT Strands has quickly found its niche. With its mix of logic, vocabulary, and creative thinking, the game offers a more layered challenge, appealing to seasoned wordsmiths and puzzle enthusiasts.
Each day’s theme offers a new opportunity to explore language — from pop culture to cuisine to abstract concepts — and July 23’s dip-centric edition showcased the platform’s versatility.
The “Chips In” edition of NYT Strands was a flavorful journey through a world of global dips, bringing together culinary curiosity and linguistic agility. From tzatziki to queso, the puzzle delighted solvers with a theme that was as delicious as it was clever.
FAQs
What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a daily word puzzle developed by The New York Times as part of its digital games collection. Players are given a 6×8 letter grid and must identify themed words hidden within. One central element is the Spangram — a word or phrase that stretches across the grid and captures the puzzle’s overall theme.
What was the theme of the NYT Strands puzzle on July 23, 2025?
The theme was “Chips In,” which revolved around popular dips and snacks often served with chips at parties or gatherings.
