Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsNYT Strands puzzle #474, for Friday, June 20, 2025, has the theme clue “Just a dusting.” If you want to solve it yourself, start with the hints below and stop before the clearly marked spoiler section. The full answer list follows.
Start with the theme hint
Think of familiar words that pair with “powder.” The puzzle’s theme is built around types of powder and things described as powder.
Need another nudge?
The seven theme words begin with BA, BA, CH, CO, TA, IT, and BL. The spangram begins with PO, has seven letters, and runs mostly horizontally from one side of the board to the other.
How Strands hints work
In the game, connect adjacent letters by dragging or tapping to form words. According to a gameplay summary published by Parade and attributed to The New York Times, theme words are highlighted in blue and fill the board without overlapping; the spangram describes the theme, touches two opposite sides, and is highlighted in yellow. Find three non-theme words to earn an in-game hint that reveals letters in a theme word.
Spoilers: NYT Strands #474 answers
Spangram: POWDERS
Theme words: BABY, BAKING, BLASTING, CHILI, COCOA, ITCHING, TALCUM
Why these words fit
Each theme answer pairs with “powder”: baby powder, baking powder, blasting powder, chili powder, cocoa powder, itching powder, and talcum powder. Baking powder is a leavening ingredient; chili powder is a spice blend; cocoa powder is used in foods and drinks; and talcum powder is a personal-care product.
Quick Recap
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