NYT Strands game #505, for Monday, July 21, 2025, has the theme clue “I fold!” The theme points to Japanese paper art. Start with the hints below; the full answer key is farther down.
Hints for Strands #505
Gentle hint
Think of a craft that turns a flat sheet of paper into shapes.
Word clues
If you need more help, these are the first two letters of the eight theme words: KI, BO, FI, FR, CR, BU, HE, and FL. The spangram begins OR and runs mostly diagonally.
In-game hint option
Finding three non-theme words earns an in-game hint that reveals letters of a theme word. Examples of non-theme guesses listed for this puzzle include BANK, BRINE, FLOW, SHIFT, TURBO, and WHEY.
#1 Best Overall
How the Strands board works
The New York Times rule reproduced by Parade says: “Find theme words to fill the board.” The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board; it may be two words.
Full answer key for July 21, 2025
Spoilers below: the complete answers are listed here.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- BOAT
- BUTTERFLY
- CRANE
- FISH
- FLOWER
- FROG
- HEART
- KITE
Spangram
ORIGAMI is the seven-letter spangram.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources
- TechRadar (July 20, 2025)
- WordCheats
- Parade (July 21, 2025)
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