On September 30, the NYT Strands focused on positive attributes, delicately joining the theme words.
The spangram "VALUES" ties all the words together, giving us insight into the puzzle's core.
Solving hints and pattern recognition opens new opportunities to enrich one's vocabulary and logic.
Word puzzle enthusiasts, it’s time to tackle today’s NYT Strands challenge. Strands, available on the New York Times website and the NYT Games app, offers a fresh twist on the classic word search. Each day presents a six-by-eight letter grid with a hidden theme, and players must also discover a spangram, a special word connecting multiple sides of the board.
On September 30, the NYT Strands game asks the players to remember the good qualities that make the challenge engaging for word lovers.
The theme ‘For Goodness’s Sake’ concentrates on positive attributes that steer behavior and interaction. Each hidden word belongs to a trait or value appreciated in both personal and business contexts. With this theme, from respect and honesty through maturity and cooperation to empathy, players will be challenged to find traits that not only fit the letters but also support the positive intent of the theme.
Here’s a guide to today’s theme words, including first letters and word lengths:
RE – 7 letters. A foundational quality in relationships, showing regard for others.
HO – 7 letters. A quality that mirrors loyalty and integrity in actions.
EM – 7 letters. The ability to understand and share others’ feelings.
VA – 6 letters. The spangram represents core beliefs connecting all words.
CO – 11 letters. Working together toward common goals with shared effort.
DI – the word has nine letters. Maintaining self-control and commitment to rules or goals.
The non-spangram answers for September 30 are:
RESPECT
HONESTY
EMPATHY
COOPERATION
DISCIPLINE
Each word aligns with the theme of positive values, making it easier to locate patterns once the grid is examined carefully.
Today's spangram is VALUES, which unites each of the theme words. The term crosses several grid sections and identifies the common thread linking all positive features. The moment the spangram is identified, the remaining words become obvious to the solver, making it easier to get a complete solution.
Start with distinctive words: Unique letters or familiar letter sequences can open parts of the grid.
Look at the theme: Knowing the theme for the day will help in guessing less obvious words.
Change directions: Words connect vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and directions can change even mid-word.
Use hints wisely: Three valid non-theme words can unlock a hint that reveals one word.
Find the spangram early. Identifying the spangram will help you understand the rest of the theme words.
NYT Strands, published on September 30 in The NewYork Times, exercises logic, observation, and vocabulary under the uplifting rubric of positive attributes. Each daily affair furthers a play into improving word skills while relishing the neat patterns and thematic ties; every little bit in regular play builds on pattern recognition, increases vocabulary, and keeps problem-solving skills very much alive.