Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsNYT Strands puzzle #404 for April 11, 2025 has the theme “Buzzing in.” The Spangram is GAMESHOWS; the five other answers are CATCHPHRASE, JEOPARDY, LINGO, PASSWORD, and PYRAMID. Hints appear below in increasing spoiler order.
Hints for Strands #404
Theme clue
Think of television shows where contestants compete for money.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Less direct clue
The Spangram describes something a reader—or their grandparents—might watch at night.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Starting letters
The theme-word pairs are JE, PY, LI, CA, and PA. The first listed word, beginning JE, is in the top half of the board. The Spangram begins GA. Its path runs from one side of the grid to the opposite side, so check around the outer edge.
#1 Best Overall
Full answer list
| Type | Answer | How it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Theme word | CATCHPHRASE | A phrase associated with game shows and their titles. |
| Theme word | JEOPARDY | A game-show title. |
| Theme word | LINGO | A game-show title. |
| Theme word | PASSWORD | A game-show title. |
| Theme word | PYRAMID | A game-show title. |
| Spangram | GAMESHOWS | Names the category connecting the theme answers. |
That is six words total: five theme words and the Spangram.
How Strands works
Strands is a New York Times word-search game built around a daily theme. Connect adjacent letters in any direction to form the theme words; letters cannot be reused or crossed. Found theme words are highlighted in blue. The Spangram summarizes the theme, spans opposite sides of the board, and is highlighted in yellow. When the puzzle is complete, every letter in the grid has been used.
You can also find non-theme words to earn hints: each three qualifying words reveal a theme word. Try Hard Guides specifies that a qualifying word must be at least four letters long; Parade also reports the three-word hint mechanic.
Quick Recap
Sources
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.
