The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →This is the archived NYT Strands puzzle for Tuesday, August 12, 2025: game #527, themed “Spitting image.” Start with the hints below; the complete answer key, including the spangram, appears after a spoiler warning.
Spoiler-light hints for Strands #527
The theme points to things that mirror or closely resemble one another. If you want a nudge without seeing the full answer list, use these first-two-letter prompts for the theme words:
- DO
- FA
- RE
- DU
- LO
To earn in-game hints, find three non-theme words on the board. The game’s hint reveals letters of a theme word. [Parade]
Spangram hint
The spangram has eight letters, written as two words, and describes the theme. TechRadar reports that its path runs mostly horizontally, touching the left edge at row four and the right edge at row six. Its first two letters are CO. [TechRadar]
#1 Best Overall
How Strands works
Find theme words to fill the board; found words stay highlighted. The spangram describes the theme and connects two opposite sides of the grid. Every three non-theme words found earn an in-game hint that reveals letters of a theme word. [Parade]
Spoilers: August 12 answers and spangram
Stop here if you still want to solve the puzzle. The theme was “Spitting image.” Its five theme words were:
- DOUBLE
- DUPLICATE
- LOOKALIKE
- REPLICA
- FACSIMILE
The spangram was COPY THAT (eight letters without the space: COPYTHAT). [TechRadar]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A note on one published spelling
Parade prints “FACSIMILIE” in its answer list, but TechRadar and Forbes give the standard spelling, “FACSIMILE.” [Parade] [Forbes]
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 48 New York Times crossword puzzles & solutions printed on quality paper
- Easy to turn Roll-A-Puzzle System
- Storage drawer for pencils & a built-in pencil sharpener
- Easy to open for inserting puzzle refills
- Multiple refills available
Rank #4
- 1,000-PIECE PUZZLE – The Michael Storrings Times Square 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle from Galison is just the right level of challenge for a few days of activity. The box also includes an insert for reference.
- STUNNING DETAILS – This city puzzle from award-winning designer, illustrator, and creative director Michael Storrings captures the chaotically beautiful juxtaposition of people and cars against the signage of Times Square.
- HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS – Galison uses continuous quality control checks during production to ensure there is virtually no puzzle dust. Each piece is printed with no-glare, non-toxic inks.
- EASY HANDLING – The 1000 puzzle pieces are thick and sturdy, and the back sides are a white matte finish. The completed puzzle measures 27” x 20" and the box measures 8.25” x 11.25” x 2".
- GALISON – Since 1979, our vision at Galison has been to inspire people by bringing art into daily life with home office supplies, home décor, stationery, puzzles and games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
