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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Thursday, July 17, 2025, was NYT Strands game #501. Its theme clue was “Find your seat,” and the spangram was THEATERS. Below, hints come before the full answer list so you can stop before spoilers.
Hints for Strands #501
The puzzle’s theme clue was “Find your seat.” The words all relate to places or sections associated with enjoying a show. If you want a little more help without seeing every answer, these are the first two letters reported for the six theme words and the spangram:
- BO
- LO
- ME
- WI
- BA
- OR
- TH — the spangram
Strands uses a six-by-eight letter grid. Theme words highlight blue; the spangram describes the theme, connects opposite sides of the board, and highlights yellow. In this puzzle, the eight-letter spangram crossed from the right side of the board to the left. Finding three non-theme words earns an in-game hint that reveals letters in a theme word. Forbes, Parade and TechRadar report these puzzle details and mechanics.
Spoiler warning: the complete answers
The answers for Thursday, July 17, 2025, were:
- BOXES
- MEZZANINE
- LOBBY
- BALCONY
- WINGS
- ORCHESTRA
- Spangram: THEATERS
The answer set and theme clue are reported consistently by TechRadar, Forbes and Parade.
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Why the date matters
This answer key is for July 17, 2025, a Thursday, and game #501. July 17 falls on different weekdays in different years, so the date alone can point to a different puzzle. The year and game number identify this specific Strands board.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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