What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For NYT Strands game #642, dated Friday, December 5, 2025, the theme is “Feeling peckish?” and the published clue is “Can I see a menu?” The spangram is DININGOUT. Use the progressive hints below before opening the full answer list.
Progressive hints for Strands #642
Theme and clue
The theme is “Feeling peckish?” The clue is “Can I see a menu?” The answers are all types of places to eat or drink.
First-letter cues
If you want a nudge without seeing the words, the answers begin with these letter pairs: BA, CA, BI, BU, BR, ST. The spangram begins DI.
Spangram placement
The nine-letter spangram starts at the top edge in the third column and ends at the bottom edge in the fifth column.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Optional in-game hint words
These non-theme words can help unlock hints: HEAD, BUNG, BIKER, STEW, BENT, and SUNG. Parade’s rules explainer says that finding three non-theme words earns a hint revealing the letters of a theme word; it also describes theme words as non-overlapping and the spangram as a word or phrase describing the theme that touches two opposite sides of the board. Parade’s Strands hints and rules.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Full answer key for NYT Strands #642
Spoilers below: The six theme words are:
- CAFE
- BUFFET
- STEAKHOUSE
- BAKERY
- BISTRO
- BREWERY
The spangram is DININGOUT. TechRadar confirms this spelling; Parade’s answer section also uses DININGOUT, although its closing list spells the word “DINNINGOUT.”
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
