NYT Strands puzzle #379, from Monday, March 17, 2025, has the theme clue “Sound switching.” The clue points toward playful swaps of the opening sounds in words. If you want to keep solving, start with the hints below; the full answer list is marked as a spoiler.
Gentle hint: “Sound switching”
Think of humorous verbal slips made by switching the first sounds of neighboring words. The puzzle’s theme is a name for that kind of mix-up.
Stronger hint: the spangram
The 11-letter spangram is SPOONERISMS. It runs from the left edge of the board to the right, starting on the fifth row and ending on the sixth.
Theme-word hints
For another nudge without revealing the words, here are their first letters and lengths:
- B — 7 letters
- B — 8 letters
- C — 5 letters
- C — 4 letters
- S — 8 letters
- W — 5 letters
How Strands hints work
Players form words by dragging or tapping letters. Theme words fill the board without overlapping; finding three non-theme words earns a hint that reveals letters in a theme word. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoilers: all answers for Strands #379
Stop here if you do not want the solution.
- BEDDING
- BLUSHING
- CHIPS
- CROW
- STRICKEN
- WELLS
- SPOONERISMS — spangram
The six theme words and the spangram make seven answers in total. The list is the complete set; its displayed order is not a required solving order.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
