Fold Into Creativity with Today’s Puzzle
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a simple square of paper into a delicate shape—today’s NYT Strands puzzle captures that joy perfectly. Puzzle #505 (July 21) invites you into the world of origami, with clues and words reflecting paper-folding wonders. Let’s unfold the puzzle together!
Today’s Theme: “I Fold!”
The theme centers around intricate paper creations—think cranes, butterflies, kites—each a testament to the art of folding. Once you spot any of these, the full context clicks.
Spangram of the Day: ORIGAMI
The 7-letter spangram spans from the left of the 4th row to the right of the 5th row—just where you’d expect an origami creation to take shape across the board.
✅ Today’s Theme Words
Here are all 7 paper-folding themed words found in today’s puzzle:
- BOAT
- BUTTERFLY
- CRANE
- FISH
- FROG
- HEART
- KITE
Yesterday’s Recap – Puzzle #504 (July 20)
- Theme: Shore Thing!
- Spangram: BEACHATTIRE
- Words: Bikini, Sandals, Sarong, Swimsuit, Trunks, Wrap
Pro Tips for Faster Solving
- Think origami shapes – Famous forms like CRANE and KITE are easy to anticipate.
- Use clue words – For example: BANK, FLOW, SHIFT—to unlock early hints.
- Spot the spangram’s curve – ORIGAMI opens the rest of the puzzle.
- Visualize folding – Imagining the process helps you track the path of letters.
FAQs About NYT Strands
Q1: What is NYT Strands?
Strands is a daily word puzzle from the NYT Games collection, presented on a 6×8 grid with themed words and one spangram.
Q2: What makes a spangram special?
It’s the longest word (or phrase) in each puzzle, touching opposite edges and capturing the theme.
Q3: How do hints work?
Reveal any three non-theme words to unlock an in-game hint—helping you close in on the theme.
Q4: Are Strands puzzles archived?
No, each puzzle is unique and only playable on its release day.
Q5: Best strategy for beginners?
Start by naming the longest themed words you can think of, use a couple of clue words for hints, and let the spangram lead the way.
Puzzle Overview
| Date | Puzzle # | Theme | Spangram | Theme Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 21, 2025 | 505 | I Fold! | ORIGAMI | Boat, Butterfly, Crane, Fish, Frog, Heart, Kite |
| July 20, 2025 | 504 | Shore … | BEACHATTIRE | Bikini, Sandals, Sarong, Swimsuit, Trunks, Wrap |
Final Thoughts
NYT Strands #505 offers a creative flourish, transforming the puzzle grid into a folded paper gallery. With ORIGAMI as the spangram and a lineup of charming creations—CRANE, FROG, HEART—the exercise is both peaceful and invigorating, perfect for meditative puzzle solving.
