NYT Strands hints July 31: Spangram, theme and answers to solve today's puzzle

Economic Times

3 days ago

With its creative wordplay and increasing difficulty, NYT Strands is capturing the interest of players seeking more than just quick clicks. As the Times adds fresh challenges each day, the game is fast becoming a daily ritual for fans of logic, language, and lateral thinking.
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NYT Strands Hints for July 31 Theme: "Half-baked"
Hint #1: A type of kuchen baked in a ridged pan.
Hint #2: A cake containing equal portions of flour, butter, and sugar.
Today's Spangram: A Familiar Phrase with Layers
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Theme Words to Know for NYT Strands July 31
FRUIT
LAVA
BUNDT
POUND
CHEESE
SPONGE
FUNNEL
How the Puzzle Played Out
The Role of the Spangram in Strands Puzzles
FAQs
What was the theme of the NYT Strands puzzle on July 31, 2025?
What is the Spangram in NYT Strands, and how does it work?
The New York Times continues to engage word puzzle enthusiasts with its daily challenge known as Strands. Released as a part of its expanding 'Games' section, this cerebral game offers a refreshing twist for players who find traditional offerings like Wordle or Connections too easy. Each puzzle consists of a 6x8 letter grid, encouraging players to connect letters and discover a series of theme-based words along with a master term called the Spangram.For Thursday, July 31, 2025, the theme of the NYT Strands puzzle is "Half-baked", a playful phrase hinting at a collection of sweet treats. Those unable to crack the code should consider focusing on variations of cakes or desserts.Some helpful NYT Strands hints include:The theme today focuses on types of cakes, baked desserts frequently made with flour, eggs, sugar, and milk.The Spangram for July 31 runs horizontally across the grid and begins with the letters "PI." If that sounds like a breeze to you, you might already be thinking of something that is easy or simple. Indeed, the Spangram is, PieceOfCake, an idiom that not only fits the grid but cleverly ties into the day's culinary theme, as per a report by Beebom.Below are the theme words that complete the puzzle:Each of these words represents a specific type of cake or component of a dessert, contributing to a well-rounded and flavorful puzzle, as per a report by Beebom.For players who solved it early, spotting words like FRUIT and LAVA led to a quick realization that cakes were the day's focus. Identifying "CAKE" in the grid made it easier to link the rest of the words, ultimately unveiling the Spangram. This chain reaction is what makes NYT Strands both stimulating and gratifying.The Spangram acts as a master key. Stretching across two opposing sides of the puzzle, it encapsulates the central theme. Unlike regular theme words, it need not begin or end at the outer edge of the grid. When deciphered early, the Spangram makes it easier to spot related words.In today's case, PieceOfCake encapsulates both the idiomatic meaning of ease and the literal theme of baked goods.The theme was "Half-baked," referring to various types of cakes and desserts. The Spangram, PieceOfCake, tied together the puzzle's culinary focus.The Spangram is a key phrase that stretches across the puzzle grid and reflects the central theme. For July 31, it was PieceOfCake, helping solvers identify related dessert terms.