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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallNYT Strands game #491, dated Monday, July 7, 2025, has the theme “Prescriptions plus.” Hints come first; the complete word list is below the spoiler warning.
Hints for Strands game #491
Use these in order if you want help without seeing the full solution.
- Theme: “Prescriptions plus.”
- Words that unlock in-game hints: CORE, RAIN, NICE, SIDE, CITY, CASE.
- Spangram length: 13 letters.
- Spangram path: It touches the top edge at column one and the bottom edge at column six.
Spoilers: answers for July 7
Stop here if you still want to solve the board yourself.
- BEAUTY
- HEALTH
- GROCERY
- VITAMINS
- MEDICINE
- Spangram: PHARMACY AISLE
Why some players saw a different theme
The New York Times replaced the original game #491 puzzle earlier on July 7. TechRadar’s editor’s note reproduced the NYT’s explanation: “The NYT changed today’s Strands puzzle earlier in the day due to ‘deeply unfortunate timing, for which we are truly sorry. In light of the tragic events ongoing in Texas, we recognize that the theme and board may have felt insensitive and poorly timed. This was entirely unintentional — Strands themes and boards are created and scheduled weeks in advance. We have now replaced the original puzzle with a new one.”
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The earlier version was reported as “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh,” with SUMMER CAMP as its spangram. Community discussion from that day also included reports of players encountering different versions under the same game number. That helps explain the conflicting memories; it does not establish that every player saw both puzzles. The answers above are for the final replacement version, “Prescriptions plus.”
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