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For NYT Strands game #388 on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the theme is “In the circle of life.” Need a nudge? The extra hint is “Known to Simba.” The full spangram and word list are below a spoiler warning.
Theme hint
The theme for this puzzle is “In the circle of life.” Forbes’ additional hint is “Known to Simba.”
Optional solving clues
If you want help without seeing the full answer set, TechRadar lists these words as clues that can unlock in-game hints:
- ZANY
- TINGLE
- GROT
- TONE
- BARE
- WAGON
These are guide-provided clue words, not a claim that they are the only valid words on the board. The spangram has eight letters and runs from the left edge at row five to the right edge at row two.
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How Strands hints work
Forbes describes Strands as a word-search-style puzzle on a six-by-eight letter grid. Connect letters vertically, horizontally or diagonally; you can change direction while tracing a word. Three valid non-theme words of at least four letters unlock a hint that highlights the letters of a theme word. The spangram connects the theme words and touches at least two sides of the board.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoilers: March 26 answers
Spangram: LION KING
The six other theme words are:
- ZEBRA
- MEERKAT
- WARTHOG
- HYENA
- ELEPHANT
- HORNBILL
Together, the animal names point to species seen in The Lion King. With the spangram included, the completed puzzle has seven entries.
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