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The NYT Strands puzzle for July 4 celebrates the flavors and feel of a summer cookout.
The spangram BARBECUE unites a spread of picnic favorites and grill-time staples.
Today’s grid captures the essence of July 4 gatherings through familiar food-themed clues.
July 4 is the middle of summer, a day when habits are altered, gatherings are formed, and traditions of the season are celebrated nationwide. Whether in outdoor dining, family and friend time, or solitary individual activities, the day provides a respite from routine.
In the same vein, The New York Times Strands puzzle is an appropriate companion. It is an intelligent challenge that stimulates the intellect with a tone worthy of the day. The theme today is based on a popular and reassuring idea, the picnic, that captures the tastes and recollections that come with al fresco dining and summer relaxation.
This word puzzle is a culinary tribute to old-fashioned picnic food. From the grilled essentials to the cold sides, every word brings to mind a dish traditionally served on July 4. While everyone else is tending the grill or making a platter, Strands does its take on the picnic, word by word.
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The puzzle grid consists of 6 rows and 8 columns.
Words that fit the theme turn blue after being chosen.
A single spangram, a word that runs from side to side across the grid, is outlined in yellow and conveys the essence of the puzzle.
Every theme word is in close connection to the daily clue.
BARBECUE – A common summer ritual that unites people with food, words, and the glow of an open fire.
BURGERS – A staple of any cookout, stacked and served hot off the grill.
COLESLAW – Cold and crunchy, a great accompaniment to richer foods.
BRATS – Thick and seasoned, frequently served in buns with condiments.
SALAD – Light and refreshing, a cool side for summer dinners.
WATERMELON – Light and refreshing, a summertime favorite for everyone.
BEANS – Hearty and flavorful, usually slow-cooked and abundantly served.
Today’s puzzle is more than just wordplay. It’s a tailor-made reminder of the season’s little joys. Each word draws from July-specific sensory details that conjure images of homey familiarity and community ritual.
NYT Strands encourage reflection, engagement, and enjoyment, whether outdoors at festivities or indoors enjoying a tranquil moment. A little drill on focus and appreciation is a reminder that even a jigsaw puzzle can match the rhythm of life.
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1. What is today’s Strands theme?
Let’s Have a Picnic, a collection of classic picnic and cookout foods.
2. What is the spangram for July 4’s Strands puzzle?
BARBECUE, representing the central idea of the theme.
3. What are the theme words in today’s puzzle?
BURGERS, COLESLAW, BRATS, SALAD, WATERMELON, and BEANS.
4. How does the Strands puzzle work?
Players find theme-related words in a 6x8 grid; the keyword (spangram) spans two sides of the grid.
5. Why is this puzzle suitable for July 4?
It reflects the spirit of summer gatherings and seasonal foods often enjoyed on this day.
