Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle Delivers a “Bee Friendly” Challenge

New York, NY - August 26, 2025 The New York Times today released Strands puzzle #541, inviting word-game enthusiasts to explore a garden of floral terms under the theme “Bee friendly.” Players are tasked with uncovering six themed words-five standard entries plus a special “spangram” that spans the grid from one side to the other.

According to The Times, the daily spangram hint poses the question, “Is it oriented vertically or horizontally?” For today’s edition, the spangram runs vertically through the six-by-eight grid.

The complete word list for August 26 is:

• Primrose
• Marigold
• Bluebell
• Chamomile
• Daisy
• Wildflower (spangram)

The Strands puzzle blends elements of classic word searches, Spelling Bee, and Connections, challenging solvers to link letters in any direction, even changing course mid-word. Every letter on the board is used in exactly one theme word, rewarding players who fully dissect the grid.

Strands continues to grow in popularity among daily puzzle fans, offering a more varied and time-intensive experience than its word-game counterparts. For additional hints, solutions, and strategy guides, readers can follow Mashable’s and Parade’s NYT Games coverage.