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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe theme clue for NYT Strands #494, published July 10, 2025, is “Nap time!” If you want only a nudge, start there. The full solution—including the spangram and all six theme words—is below the spoiler warning.
Hints for Strands #494
Theme clue
“Nap time!”
Extra hint
Think of words for feeling sleepy or exhausted. Forbes also offered a yawning emoji as an additional clue: Forbes’ July 10 Strands guide.
Spoilers: July 10 Strands answers
The answer set below is for the historical July 10, 2025 puzzle, not a current-day solution.
- Spangram: SLEEPYHEAD
- Theme words: DROWSY, FATIGUED, KNACKERED, SPENT, TIRED, WEARY
The puzzle was Strands #494. Forbes, TechRadar, and Try Hard Guides each published this answer set on July 9, 2025. Their guides confirm the theme, spangram, and six theme words; the available source text does not establish every word’s board coordinates.
How Strands works
In Strands, players find words connected to a daily theme in a six-by-eight letter grid. The spangram describes the theme and touches at least two sides of the board. Theme words and the spangram together use every letter once. Letters can connect vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and a word’s path can change direction. Finding three valid non-theme words of at least four letters unlocks a hint that highlights a theme word. These mechanics are described in Forbes’ guide.
Where to play
Strands is available on the NYT website and in the NYT Games app, as described by Forbes. Try Hard Guides also links to the official Strands game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources for the historical answer
- Forbes, by Kris Holt, dated July 9, 2025.
- TechRadar, by Johnny Dee with contributions by Marc McLaren, published July 9, 2025.
- Try Hard Guides, by Christine Mielke, published July 9, 2025.
The NYT puzzle page was not retrievable for this historical check, so the solution is corroborated by these three published guides rather than an official archived answer page.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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