NYT Strands is one of the unique word puzzles that challenge players to find new words from the randomly arranged letters.
The task is to form correct words that match the theme of the puzzle. Like today’s theme is ‘Out, damned spot!’
Players need to find six non-spangram words and a spangram word from the grid to solve the puzzle.
NYT Strands' new grid is live with a new theme to test the vocabulary of word-puzzle enthusiasts. The guessing method of Strands isn’t unique, but what makes it challenging is that the word formation maintains no structure. Words can be formed in any shape: horizontal, vertical, zigzag, anything. Apparently, looking at the grid will reveal randomly scattered letters, but a keen observer will reveal words related to today’s theme.
From 5 to 50, anyone can solve Strands sitting at any corner of the globe. The puzzle has two objectives: to find the non-snapgram words and to form the snapgram based on them.
The theme of NYT Strands on November 13, 2025, is ‘Out, damned spot!’ Generally, at first glance, Strand's themes reveal nothing. In comparison, today’s theme is a bit easier. Looking at the theme instantly brings to mind dirty spots that require cleaning.
If that’s what you have thought, you are on the right track. Today’s non-snapgram words are related to cleaning items and methods. The snapgram also delivers a similar meaning.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for November 12, 2025: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
To make the process a bit easier, here are the additional clues:
Hint 1: The first word starts with BL and is a four-letter word.
Hint 2: The second word starts with SO and is a four-letter word
Hint 3: The third word starts with SC and is a five-letter word
Hint 4: The fourth word starts with ST and is a five-letter word
Hint 5: The fifth word starts with SP and is a five-letter word
Hint 6: The sixth word starts with BL and is a six-letter word.
Hint 7: The seventh word starts with LA and is a seven-letter word.
NYT Strands Answer, November 13, 2025, for non-spangram words include:
BLOT
SOAK
SCRUB
STEAM
SPRAY
BLEACH
LAUNDER
All these words are related to human bones. Based on these, let’s discover the spangram of today’s NYT Strands:
Now, it's time to know today’s spangram. For the NYT Strands November 13, 2025, the spangram is
This phrase spans two sides of the grid horizontally, from the left to the right side, like a staircase. It clearly defines the theme of the puzzle and indicates all the words associated with stain clearing. To know the locations of the words and the spangram, check out the image below:
NYT Strands is one of the most captivating word puzzle games by The New York Times, blending elements from other renowned puzzle games, such as Spelling Bee, Connections, and traditional crosswords. If one is struggling with this puzzle, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Players must focus on word patterns and associations.
Start finding words from the corner. The spangram is rarely at the corner of the grid, so non-spangram words can be there.
Don’t step back to get a hint. For every non-theme word, one guess will earn them a hint.
The spangram is generally stretched vertically across the board to look for it accordingly.
NYT Strands answers hardly disappoint word puzzle enthusiasts. These words challenge players to think out of the box every day. Understanding the theme is crucial to identifying the associated words.
The best part is that this puzzle never repeats the theme, and all the themes test the knowledge and vocabulary of gamers in different sectors of daily life and work. Today’s test assessed the gamer's vocabulary related to the washing process and items required for cleaning.
Also Read: NYT Connections Hints and Answers for November 12, 2025