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The August 20, 2025, NYT Strands puzzle was game #535. Its theme was “Mint condition,” and its spangram was GLOBAL CURRENCY. Read the hints below before opening the full solution.
Hints for the August 20 Strands puzzle
- Theme: “Mint condition”
- Next clue: “Said to make the world go around.”
Both clues point toward money and currencies. Stop here if you want to solve the board without seeing the answers.
Full answer list (spoilers)
The spangram is GLOBAL CURRENCY. The seven other theme words are:
- RUPEE
- POUND
- EURO
- KWANZA
- DOLLAR
- PESO
- RAND
The seven words are names for currencies, while GLOBAL CURRENCY describes the group. Forbes and the WordsRated archive list the complete set; TechRadar also confirms the theme and spangram, though its displayed answer list leaves out KWANZA. Forbes, TechRadar, WordsRated archive.
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How Strands hints work
Strands uses a 6-by-8 letter grid. Connect adjacent letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, changing direction as needed, to form words. The spangram names the theme and touches opposite sides of the grid. According to the rules reference, finding three valid non-theme words unlocks a hint that highlights one theme word. NYT Strands rules.
For this puzzle, TechRadar reports that the 14-letter spangram reaches the top edge at column four and the bottom edge at column two. That placement can help if you are still trying to trace GLOBAL CURRENCY.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.About this archived solution
This is the answer for August 20, 2025—not a current daily puzzle. The date and game number (#535) identify the archived board. One published guide, Parade’s, gives HYPHENATED as the spangram; that answer belongs to the previous day’s “Dash it!” puzzle, not this one. The dated reports and archive agree on GLOBAL CURRENCY and the currency answers. Parade, WordsRated archive.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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