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NYT Strands puzzle #458, from Wednesday, June 4, 2025, has the theme “Monster quest.” If you want to solve it yourself, start with the theme clue below and open each later hint only when you need it.
Start with the theme clue
The theme is “Monster quest.” Think of creatures from folklore and reports of mysterious beasts.
Need another nudge?
Spangram length and path
The spangram has eight letters. It runs vertically from the top edge at the third column to the bottom edge at the fourth column, according to Parade’s description of the puzzle.
Spangram reveal
CRYPTIDS
Spoilers: the six theme words
The complete answer list is below.
- YETI
- BIGFOOT
- KRAKEN
- CRAWLER
- MOTHMAN
- JACKALOPE
The spangram is CRYPTIDS. TechRadar and Try Hard Guides independently list the same six theme words and spangram: TechRadar’s June 4 Strands answers and Try Hard Guides’ answer page.
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Parade’s account of the instructions attributed to The New York Times says that theme words fill the board, while the spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides. It also reports that finding three non-theme words earns a hint, which reveals the letters of a theme word; if a hint is already active, another hint shows that word’s letter order. These mechanics are reported by Parade and may not reflect any later changes to the game: Parade’s June 4 puzzle guide.
Quick Recap
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