Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThis is the archived guide to NYT Strands puzzle #492 for Tuesday, July 8, 2025—not today’s puzzle. Start with the theme clue, reveal the extra hint if you need it, then continue to the spangram and full solution.
Theme clue
“So extra”
Need another hint?
Think of something you have more of than you might need.
Spoiler warning: spangram
The spangram is SPARES.
Spoiler warning: all answers
The eight theme words are KEYS, TIRES, BEDROOM, CHANGE, TIME, HANDS, MOMENT, and PARTS.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word-search puzzle played on a six-by-eight letter grid. Find the theme words and the spangram, which describes their shared connection. Letters can connect horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and a word’s path can change direction. Each letter is used once across the answers. The spangram connects at least two sides of the board, but it does not have to start or end on an edge.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
If you get stuck, find three valid non-theme words of four or more letters to unlock a hint. The hint highlights the letters of a theme word.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources
The dated clues and solutions above are reported in Kris Holt’s Forbes guide, published July 7, 2025. A contemporaneous player discussion for puzzle #492 is anecdotal, not representative of players generally.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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.
