NYT Strands puzzle #445, from Thursday, May 22, 2025, has the theme “Keeping an eye on things.” Start with the gentle hints below; the complete word list and spangram are behind a clearly marked spoiler reveal. This identifies the 2025 puzzle, not a later game played on May 22 in another year.
Theme and gentle hints
The theme is “Keeping an eye on things.” Think of people entrusted with care, protection, or responsibility for someone or something.
First letters
The five theme words begin with ST, GU, PR, CU, and TR. The spangram begins with TA.
Spangram clue
The spangram has eight letters. It runs mostly vertically, crossing from the top edge at column two to the bottom edge at column one.
Words to earn an in-game hint
If you want help from Strands without reading the answer list, try finding non-theme words. TechRadar listed STRUT, NEED, CRUDE, CURSE, DINE, and TRAP as words that can unlock the hint system. Parade’s reproduction of NYT gameplay instructions says three non-theme words earn a hint that reveals the letters of a theme word.
How Strands hints work
Strands asks you to find theme words that fill the board. Its spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides; it may consist of two words. As reproduced by Parade from NYT instructions, players drag or tap letters to form words, theme words highlight blue, and the spangram highlights yellow.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoilers: full answers for game #445
Stop here if you still want to solve the puzzle yourself.
Theme words
- STEWARD
- GUARDIAN
- PROTECTOR
- CUSTODIAN
- TRUSTEE
Spangram
TAKE CARE is the spangram. It is written as two words in prose; the letters run continuously in the grid.
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