NYT Strands #550 is the puzzle for Thursday, September 4, 2025. Its theme is “Far from ordinary.” Start with the hints below and scroll to the answer list only if you want the full reveal.
Gentle hint for Strands #550
The theme, “Far from ordinary,” points to things that are unusual, unconventional, or wildly imaginative.
More hints
- The spangram has 10 letters, ignoring spaces.
- It describes something unconventional or startling.
- Its path starts at the top edge in column 3 and ends at the bottom edge in column 6.
In-game hint words
These words can help unlock Strands’ hints: DUSKY, TECH, REAL, RUDE, BRIT, and CREW.
Full answers for September 4, 2025
Spoilers below.
The six theme words are ABSURD, BIZARRE, ECCENTRIC, MADCAP, QUIRKY, and ZANY.
The spangram is OFF THE WALL (10 letters when spaces are omitted).
How Strands hints work
Strands is a themed word-search puzzle played on a letter grid. You can connect letters in any direction, but cannot reuse or cross letters. The spangram describes the theme and touches opposite edges of the board. Finding three unrelated words of at least four letters earns an in-game hint that highlights one theme word.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
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