The New York Times Strands puzzle for March 21 (#748) challenges players to identify themed words hidden within a grid of letters. This guide provides hints and the complete solution, including the spangram, for those seeking assistance.
Understanding the Puzzle
Strands requires players to find a series of words related to a central theme. Finding words with four or more letters unlocks in-game hints, eventually revealing the full theme. The ultimate goal is to locate all themed words, including the spangram — a long word that stretches across the entire grid.
Hints for Today’s Puzzle
The theme for today’s puzzle is… sniff sniff. If that doesn’t spark recognition, consider this clue: some people keep them to the grindstone.
Key Words to Unlock Hints
To trigger in-game hints, uncover words like:
- SENT
- POST
- STOP
- STOPS
- TOPS
- POTS
- ROBE
- BORE
- HORN
- HONK
- HONKS
- THEN
- PROBE
Any word of four or more letters will work to reveal theme hints.
Complete Solutions
The themed words for today’s Strands puzzle are:
- BEAK
- SNOUT
- HONKER
- MUZZLE
- PROBOSCIS
- SCHNOZZLE
Spangram Reveal
The spangram for March 21 is ONTHENOSE. Begin with the ‘O’ located four spaces to the right on the top row and trace the letters diagonally down.
Challenging Strands Themes
Some Strands themes prove particularly difficult for players. Previously, puzzles centered around dated slang (like the word PHAT ) and obscure marine biology terms (BALEEN or RIGHT ) have been noted as among the toughest.
Strands is designed to test vocabulary and pattern recognition. While hints can assist, the satisfaction comes from independently uncovering the connections within the puzzle.
