Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThursday, May 29, 2025, is NYT Strands game #452. Its theme clue is “It’s a little buggy,” and the spangram is INSECT. If you want to solve as much as you can yourself, open the hints below in order before revealing the full word list.
Hints for the May 29 Strands puzzle
Start with the game’s theme clue, then use the extra nudge and letter cues only if you need them.
- Theme clue: “It’s a little buggy.”
- Additional hint: Six-legged creatures.
- First-letter cues: BU, WA, FL, MO, IN, DR, HO, MA.
Spangram and answers
Spoiler: The spangram is INSECT. The other theme words are:
- BUTTERFLY
- WASP
- FLEA
- MOTH
- DRAGONFLY
- HORNET
- MANTIS
How Strands hints work
Strands is a word-search-style puzzle played on a six-by-eight grid. Connect letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally; a word can change direction as you trace it. Theme words turn blue when found, while the spangram turns yellow. The spangram names the shared theme and reaches at least two sides of the board.
According to Forbes’ May 28 guide, finding three valid non-theme words of at least four letters unlocks a hint that highlights one theme word. The game is available through the NYT website and NYT Games app; check the New York Times for current access terms.
Quick Recap
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