strands hint: NYT Strands hints today, May 26, 2025: Answers and clues to tackle the Monday puzzle

With digital word games continuing to draw millions of daily players, The New York Times has unveiled another cerebral offering in its Games portfolio: Strands. Designed for fans seeking a deeper challenge beyond Wordle or Connections, the game’s Monday edition on May 26 presented a nuanced and evocative theme — “Body language.” For those finding themselves puzzled, today’s Strands hints and answers may offer just the clarity they need.

What Is NYT Strands?

NYT Strands is a structured word search game that challenges players to identify words based on a given theme. The puzzle unfolds on a six-by-eight grid of letters. Participants are required to uncover various related terms hidden in any direction — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Each day brings a new theme and a special “Spangram” — a unique, longer word that often stretches across the grid and helps unlock the puzzle’s overarching concept.
Unlike conventional word games that rely on vocabulary breadth alone, Strands demands thematic thinking and spatial awareness. The format has resonated with a growing audience seeking more than just vocabulary trivia.
On Monday, May 26, the Strands theme revolved around “Body language,” inviting players to search for nonverbal expressions commonly conveyed through physical gestures.

For those who struggled to get started, the Strands hints today suggested focusing on physical motions — particularly those made with the hands or head — used to express intent, emotion, or respect.
Two notable clues shared in advance to help nudge players in the right direction were, as per a report by Beebom:

• Hint #1: A traditional gesture involving kneeling and bowing one’s forehead to the ground — a mark of reverence in several cultures.
• Hint #2: A customary greeting gesture widely practiced in Indian culture involves a respectful posture with joined hands.

Spangram Hint: Lateral Gesture Takes Center Stage

Every Strands puzzle includes a Spangram — a special word that ties the theme together. For May 26, the Spangram clue pointed to a horizontal orientation, beginning with the letters “GE.” Players were advised to look for a term that defines visible bodily movements used as communication — a fundamental characteristic of body language.
Today’s Spangram answer was “GESTURES,” providing the cornerstone for solving the remaining entries.

Strands Answers Today: The Full Word Set

In line with the theme “Body language,” the full list of Strands answers today included various physical expressions recognized across cultures and settings. These were:

• BOW
• NOD
• WAVE
• SALUTE
• NAMASTE
• WINK
• SHRUG
• GESTURES (Spangram)

These selections reflect a range of non-verbal signals, from respectful greetings to subtle emotional cues.

FAQs

How do hints work in NYT strands?

For every set of three non-theme words you find, a hint is unlocked—each hint unveils letters from one of the hidden theme words.

Is every letter used in Strands?

Since every letter on the board is used to complete the game, you’re never too far from uncovering your next word.