The latest challenge of the Strands puzzle from the New York Times Games provides an intriguing mental workout. Your primary goal? To pinpoint all the words linked to today’s theme as you navigate through the letter grid, ensuring that each letter is used only once, based solely on a single cryptic clue.
This seemingly straightforward mission can quickly become a formidable task, even for seasoned players. To support you in your quest, this article offers a variety of assistance options, from thematic hints to complete solutions. You can choose the type of help that best suits your current stage in the puzzle.
Today’s NYT Games Strands Challenge #396 – April 3, 2025

In today’s puzzle, the featured clue is Get The Bug. Your mission entails uncovering seven distinct items: one Spangram and six themed words.
NYT Strands: Tips and Thematic Hints
If you’re on the hunt for guidance without revealing entire answers, you’ll find spoiler-free hints divided into three sections below. These hints will nudge you closer to the solution while keeping the experience enjoyable.
General Spangram Hint #1

Hint 1: Consider various bug-like entities.
General Spangram Hint #2

Hint 2: Think about different types of bugs.
General Spangram Hint #3

Hint 3: Try filling in the blank: ___ bug.
Spoilers for Today’s NYT Strands
If you believe a few spoilers would enhance your solving experience, two clues are provided below. These tips are designed to help you bypass the need for saving non-themed words for hints in this interactive puzzle.
Spoiler #1

Word 1: Doodle

Spoiler #2

Word 2: Lightning

The Complete Answer for the NYT Get The Bug Strands
Looking for the full solution to today’s Strands puzzle? The details can be found below, complete with a screenshot of the finished puzzle, showing where each word fits within the grid.

Today’s theme is Entomology, focusing on the study of insects. The words to discover include: Lightning, Stink, Lady, Assassin, Potato, and Doodle.

Understanding Today’s Strands
In this section, we delve into how today’s clue, the Spangram, and all the associated words interconnect seamlessly.

The theme centers around Entomology, which examines various bugs. Each identified word pairs seamlessly with the term “bug,”making the clue Get the Bug apt for the puzzle.
Ready to challenge your skills?