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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The NYT Strands puzzle for Friday, July 11, 2025, is game #495. Its theme clue is “It could be verse.” The hints below start gently; the full answer list, including the spangram, is behind a spoiler warning.
Hints for Strands #495
Use these in order to reveal more without seeing the complete solution right away:
- The theme clue is “It could be verse.”
- Clue words you can find to earn in-game hints include SMILE, PILE, RACE, LACE, CHIP, and SLIP.
- The spangram has six letters.
- It runs from the left side to the right side of the board, with both endpoints on row five.
How Strands hints work
Strands hides theme-related words in a grid of letters. Letters in each answer connect vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and a cell cannot be used twice in the same word. The spangram crosses the board between opposite sides and helps reveal the theme. Three valid guesses that are not answers earn an in-game hint that highlights the letters of a hidden word. These mechanics are described in a 2026 research paper on the NYT game, which refers to access to the official puzzle in 2025; it is not an official NYT help page.
Full answers for July 11, 2025
Spoilers below: the complete solution is revealed here.
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- ACROSTIC
- BALLAD
- ELEGY
- EPIC
- HAIKU
- LIMERICK
- SONNET
Spangram: POETRY
What the answers have in common
Each theme entry is a type or form of poetry, which fits the clue “It could be verse.” POETRY is the six-letter spangram for this puzzle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Play Strands
To play the game, visit NYT Games. Strands is available there on desktop and mobile, according to a game guide.
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