NYT Strands puzzle #579, dated Friday, October 3, 2025, has the theme “Who’s in charge?” Start with the hint below; the spangram and complete answer list are separated as spoilers.
Theme hint for Strands #579
Think of people who hold authority or lead a group. The six theme words range from informal labels to organizational titles.
Clue words for the in-game hint
The exact-date puzzle guide lists NAMELESS, FISH, SHED, RIDER, DRIP, and DRAG as words that activate Strands’ built-in hint system when found. They are not theme answers. In general, Strands gives a hint after you find three valid non-theme words.
Spoiler: the spangram
LEADERSHIP
Spoiler: all theme answers
- BOSS
- MANAGER
- HEAD
- SUPERVISOR
- CHIEF
- DIRECTOR
How the board works
Strands is played on a 6×8 letter grid. Words can trace letters vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and their paths may change direction; a letter cannot be used twice in one word. The general rules description comes from Strands.Game, a third-party site that says it is not affiliated with The New York Times.
Quick Recap
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