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Hints for NYT Strands #536
Use these clues in order; stop whenever you have enough help.
- The published theme clue is “Marvel-ous and then some.”
- There are seven answers in all, counting the spangram.
- The reported starting-letter clues are ST, SU, WOL, RO, DA, TH, and HU.
- POWER, STORE, RIVER, THINK, ROAD, and HIRE are examples of non-theme words reported as valid words for earning an in-game hint.
Full answer reveal
Stop here if you do not want the complete solution.
- HULK
- WOLVERINE
- STORM
- DAREDEVIL
- THING
- ROGUE
- Spangram: SUPERHEROES
How the answers fit the theme
The six theme words are superhero names, and SUPERHEROES names their shared category. The clue’s “Marvel-ous” phrasing points to Marvel-associated characters. Other familiar characters, including Spider-Man and Thor, are not in the published solution.
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Forbes reported that the spangram follows an S-shaped path through the grid and compared its outline to the Superman logo. That is a visual observation, not a clue that Superman is an answer.
How Strands works
Strands is a word-search-style game played on a six-by-eight letter grid. Connect adjacent letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally; a word may change direction as it continues. Letters are used once across the theme words and spangram. Theme answers turn blue, while the spangram turns yellow.
Rank #2
Finding three valid words of at least four letters that are not theme answers unlocks a hint, which highlights letters in a theme word. The game is available on the NYT website and in the NYT Games app.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources
- TechRadar’s August 21, 2025 Strands hints and answers
- Forbes’ August 21, 2025 Strands hints and answers
- Try Hard Guides’ Strands #536 answers
The guides were published August 20 in their respective time zones and refer to the August 21 puzzle; the puzzle date and game number identify the solution.
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