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NYT Strands puzzle #579 is the Friday, October 3, 2025 game, themed “Who’s in charge?” The spangram is LEADERSHIP; the six theme answers are BOSS, MANAGER, HEAD, SUPERVISOR, CHIEF, and DIRECTOR. Hints appear below in increasing spoiler order.
Progressive hints for Strands #579
Start with the theme
Think of people who lead a team, organization, or department. The theme is “Who’s in charge?”
Spangram length and direction
The 10-letter spangram runs from the top edge of the grid to the bottom edge: LEADERSHIP. Its reported path touches the top at the fourth column and the bottom at the third column.
Use the in-game hint system
Strands makes a hint available after you find three words unrelated to the theme. The puzzle page also lists these words as clues that can unlock hints: NAMELESS, FISH, SHED, RIDER, DRIP, and DRAG. A hint highlights letters in a theme answer.
All answers for October 3, 2025
Spangram: LEADERSHIP
- BOSS
- MANAGER
- HEAD
- SUPERVISOR
- CHIEF
- DIRECTOR
Why the year matters
This answer set is for Friday, October 3, 2025, puzzle #579. October 3, 2026 is a different Strands puzzle, #944, so the date without a year can point to another game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Strands works
Strands is a word search played on a six-by-eight grid. Find words that fit the daily theme, including a spangram that spans opposite edges of the grid. Finding three words unrelated to the theme makes an in-game hint available; the hint highlights letters in a theme answer.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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