If today’s NYT Strands puzzle felt like a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary, you’re not alone. Puzzle #508 brings us face-to-face with nature’s most primal defense signals—growls, hisses, stomps, and more. Titled “Back Away Slowly,” this grid isn’t just a word challenge—it’s a survival scenario in six letters or less. Let’s decode the warning signs together before it’s too late!
🎯 Drumroll, Please—It’s Time to Back Away Slowly!
Ever watched a rattlesnake warn you before striking? That’s today’s vibe. NYT Strands puzzle #508 (July 24) is packed with animal defense mechanisms—the hisses, rattles, and growls that make us step back. Get ready to uncover all the hidden alerts in the grid.
Today’s Theme: “Back Away Slowly”
A sign to proceed with caution—your grid is full of animal warning signals. As soon as you spot any, you’ll know you’re diving into defensive territory.
Spangram of the Day: WARNING
The all-caps spangram WARNING stretches horizontally from the left edge (4th row) to the right edge (5th row), giving you a clear signal of what’s happening.
✅ Today’s Theme Words
Here are the 9 cautionary words hiding in the puzzle:
- GROWL
- SNARL
- HISS
- HUFF
- SCREECH
- STOMP
- RATTLE
- SPRAY
- SPANGRAM: WARNING
Spotting any early word like “HISS” or “RATTLE” should tip you off to the whole theme.
Quick Recap — Yesterday’s Puzzle #507 (July 23)
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Theme: Chips In (party dips)
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Spangram: PARTYDIPS
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Words: Salsa, Queso, Guacamole, Hummus, Fondue, Tzatziki
💡 Pro Tips for Swift Solving
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Trust early alerts – Just one “GROWL” or “HISS” sets the mood.
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Find the spangram first – WARNING unlocks many paths.
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Trigger hints – Type any non-themed word like MOTH, CREST, or SCUFF to earn hints quickly.
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Visualize the threat – Picture the animal noises, and the puzzle pieces fall into place.
Popular FAQs About NYT Strands
Q1: What is NYT Strands?
A daily word puzzle from the NYT featuring a 6×8 grid of letters—players find theme-based words plus a spangram that hits two opposing edges.
Q2: What’s a spangram?
The puzzle’s centerpiece: a theme-relevant word or phrase stretching edge to edge. Today’s is WARNING.
Q3: How do I unlock hints?
Enter any three valid non-theme words (4+ letters), and the game reveals a theme word letter.
Q4: Are puzzles re-playable?
No, each NYT Strands puzzle is live only on its release day.
Q5: How should beginners approach this?
Start by guessing long, thematic words. Spot the spangram early, and use hints sparingly but strategically.
Puzzle Overview
| Date | Puzzle # | Theme | Spangram | Theme Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 24, 2025 | 508 | Back Away Slowly | WARNING | Growl, Snarl, Hiss, Huff, Screech, Stomp, Rattle, Spray |
| July 23, 2025 | 507 | Chips In (party dips) | PARTYDIPS | Salsa, Queso, Guacamole, Hummus, Fondue, Tzatziki |
🎯 Final Thoughts
NYT Strands #508 delivers a thrilling twist: instead of cozy themes, you’re in an animal defense zone. With each warning sound—WARNING, GROWL, HISS—the puzzle grows sharper. It’s tense, satisfying, and perfect for those quick, brain-boosting moments.
