Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNYT Strands puzzle #539, dated August 24, 2025, has the theme clue “Plug your ears.” Start with the gentle hints below, then open the answer list only if you want the full solution.
Hints for August 24, 2025
Theme hint
The clue is “Plug your ears.” The answers point to loud or noisy sounds.
Spangram hint
The spangram has six letters. It begins on the right side of row five and ends on the left side of row five.
Optional words to unlock in-game hints
TechRadar lists SITE, BOON, SMOG, BONUS, LOST, and BORE as possible non-theme guesses that can unlock hints.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Full answer list
Spoilers below: the six theme words are:
- BLASTING
- LOUD
- BOOMING
- NOISY
- STRIDENT
- BOISTEROUS
Spangram: HUBBUB
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the Strands board works
Strands is a word-search-style puzzle played on a six-by-eight letter grid. Find words connected by the daily theme; the spangram names that connection and links two opposite sides of the board. For this puzzle, HUBBUB captures the theme connecting the other answers.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Sources
- TechRadar’s August 24, 2025 Strands hints and answers
- Strands Solution’s answer archive
- Forbes’ Strands coverage
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