NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22, 2025
In today’s edition of the New York Times’ engaging word-search game, Strands, players are treated to a puzzle that resonates with college sports enthusiasts. Strands elevates the classic word search format by allowing players to connect letters in various directions—up, down, left, right, or even diagonally—while also permitting words to change direction, leading to intricate shapes and patterns throughout the grid. A unique aspect of this game is that every letter in the grid contributes to an answer, making it a comprehensive challenge. Each puzzle is anchored by a central theme, accompanied by a “spangram,” which is a significant word or phrase that encapsulates the theme and spans the entire grid either vertically or horizontally.
Today’s theme revolves around the Ivy League, specifically focusing on college mascots. For those familiar with collegiate sports, this theme provides a delightful opportunity to engage with a variety of terms that are emblematic of school spirit and athletic pride. The spangram for today’s puzzle is “Sports Team,” indicating that players will be searching for terms related to various college mascots. The word list includes notable names like Bulldogs, Bears, Tigers, Quakers, Crimson, and Lions, all of which are associated with specific Ivy League institutions. This thematic connection not only enhances the gameplay experience but also offers a nostalgic nod to college sports fans who may have a particular fondness for these mascots.
For those who might find themselves momentarily stumped or pressed for time, the New York Times Strands hints serve as a helpful guide to navigate through the puzzle at a comfortable pace. This feature sets Strands apart from other popular games like Wordle and Connections, which tend to be quicker in nature. With a blend of challenge and fun, today’s Strands puzzle invites players to immerse themselves in the world of college sports while honing their word-search skills. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Strands promises an engaging experience that makes for an excellent daily diversion. For those seeking additional puzzles or games, Mashable’s Games page offers a variety of options, ensuring that fans of brain teasers have plenty to explore.
Today’s NYT Strands hints are easy if you’re a college sports fan.
Strands
, the
New York Times
‘ elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There’s always a theme linking every solution, along with the “spangram,” a special, word or phrase that sums up that day’s theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
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By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like
Wordle
and
Connections
.
If you’re feeling stuck or just don’t have 10 or more minutes to figure out today’s puzzle, we’ve got all the NYT Strands hints for today’s puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
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Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22, 2025
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NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Ivy League
The words are related to colleges.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained
These words describe college mascots
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?
Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer today
Today’s spangram is
Sports Team.
NYT Strands word list for November 22
Bulldogs
Bears
Tigers
Sports Team
Quakers
Crimson
Lions
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has more hints, a
nd if you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now!
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Not the day you’re after?
Here’s the solution to the latest Strands.