For the NYT Strands puzzle dated July 16, 2025—game #500—the theme is “Tech accessories.” The six-letter spangram is TABLET. If you want to solve it yourself, start with the hints below; the full answer list follows the spoiler break.
Hints for the July 16, 2025 Strands puzzle
The theme is Tech accessories. A separate answer archive describes the opening clue as “That’ll be extra.”
TechRadar suggests looking for these words to reveal in-game hints: STAKE, LION, PEST, COAT, STANDARDS, and SHARE. STAND appears within STANDARDS, so spotting it can help.
Spangram hint
The spangram has six letters. TechRadar reports that it touches the left edge of the board on row four and the right edge on row five.
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How the Strands board works
Strands uses a six-by-eight letter grid. Find theme-related words and a spangram that connects opposite sides of the board; theme words highlight blue, while the spangram highlights yellow. The daily puzzle appears at midnight in each time zone, so “today” can mean different puzzle dates depending on where you are.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoiler: July 16 Strands spangram and answers
Spangram: TABLET
Theme words: CASE, SPEAKER, STAND, STYLUS, CHARGER, KEYBOARD, and FOLIO.
Together, the words point to accessories used with tablets. The answer set does not identify a tablet brand or model, or make a product recommendation.
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