The Tuesday, July 8, 2025, NYT Strands puzzle is game #492. Its theme clue is “So extra,” and the six-letter spangram is SPARES. The eight theme words are KEYS, TIRES, BEDROOM, CHANGE, TIME, HANDS, MOMENT and PARTS.
Hints for the July 8, 2025 Strands puzzle
Try these clues before looking at the answer list:
- Theme clue: So extra.
- Gentler hint: More than you might need.
- Think about: Having a backup.
If you want a letter prompt, the answers begin with the letters K, T, B, C, T, S, H, M and P. The sources differ on the order, so treat these as a set rather than a sequence.
Today’s spangram
The spangram is SPARES. It has six letters and runs horizontally across the board, touching opposite sides. The New York Times instruction quoted by Parade says: “The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.” Parade’s July 8 guide reports the direction for this puzzle; the Strands Unlimited archive lists SPARES as a six-letter spangram.
All Strands answers for Tuesday, July 8
The puzzle has eight theme words plus the spangram. Some guides count the spangram in the total and call it nine words altogether; the answer set is the same.
- KEYS
- TIRES
- BEDROOM
- CHANGE
- TIME
- HANDS
- MOMENT
- PARTS
- SPARES — spangram
The theme’s “extra” idea connects the answers with spares and backups—for example, spare keys, tires or parts. The list is the puzzle’s answer set; it does not require one single interpretation of every word.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Strands works
Strands uses a six-by-eight grid. Find words connected to the theme by linking neighboring letters vertically, horizontally or diagonally; a word’s path can change direction. Theme words turn blue, while the spangram is highlighted yellow and connects at least two sides of the board.
Three valid words that are not part of the theme, each at least four letters long, unlock a hint that highlights the letters of a theme word. Forbes’ July 7, 2025 guide describes these mechanics and lists the puzzle’s answers.
Quick Recap
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