Ever find yourself cleaning up and discovering that little scrap you just can’t toss? Today’s NYT Strands puzzle taps into that feeling—remnants that hang around just a bit longer. Puzzle #526, titled “Find the Remainder,” nudges you toward the overlooked leftovers. Let’s pick through the grid and see what words still linger.
Today’s Theme: “Find the Remainder”
This theme is all about what sticks around—the scraps, traces, and remains. The title hints at leftovers in both food and memory.
Spangram of the Day: LEFTOVERS
The spangram LEFTOVERS stretches across the grid and perfectly embodies the theme of what persists or remains.
Today’s Theme Words (6)
Here are the six words hiding in today’s puzzle, all echoing the idea of lingering traces:
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DREGS
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REMNANT
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RESIDUE
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SOUVENIR
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TRACE
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VESTIGE
Yesterday’s Recap – Puzzle #525 (August 10)
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Theme: A Rip-Roaring Good Time
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Spangram: PARTIES
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Words: BLOWOUT, HOEDOWN, JAMBOREE, LUAU, SHINDIG, WINGDING
Pro Tips for Faster Solving
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Start with the title – The phrase “Find the Remainder” hints right at leftovers.
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Spot the spangram early – “LEFTOVERS” unlocks the theme instantly.
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Think synonyms – Words like TRACE, VESTIGE, or RESIDUE are on-theme and good guesses.
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Use clue words – Enter random words like SCRUB, CRISP, or PARCH to trigger hints.
Popular NYT Strands FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is NYT Strands? | A daily word-search puzzle in a 6×8 grid featuring themed words and a special edge-spanning spangram. |
| What’s a spangram? | It’s the longest theme-relevant word or phrase that touches two opposite edges—in today’s case, LEFTOVERS. |
| How do hints work? | Type any three non-theme words (4+ letters) to earn a hint for a theme word. |
| Can I replay past Strands puzzles? | No—they’re typically playable only on the release day. |
| Best strategy for beginners? | Target the longest known theme-related word, find the spangram, then fill in the rest using hints. |
Puzzle Summary
| Date | Puzzle # | Theme | Spangram | Theme Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 11, 2025 | 526 | Find the Remainder | LEFTOVERS | Dregs, Remnant, Residue, Souvenir, Trace, Vestige |
| August 10, 2025 | 525 | A Rip-Roaring Good Time | PARTIES | Blowout, Hoedown, Jamboree, Luau, Shindig, Wingding |
Final Thoughts
NYT Strands #526 serves up a thoughtful reflection on what endures past the main event—whether it’s culinary scraps or sentimental keepsakes. From the all-encompassing LEFTOVERS to the nuanced VESTIGE or SOUVENIR, this puzzle invites you to honor what lingers. A gentle and clever solve for mid-August!
