NYT Strands Puzzle: May 16, 2025 — "To a Degree"
The New York Times' Strands puzzle continues to captivate word enthusiasts with its engaging challenges. Released today, May 16, 2025, the puzzle's theme is "To a Degree," inviting solvers to explore words and concepts related to varying levels or extents.
Understanding NYT Strands
Strands is a daily word game introduced by The New York Times, complementing its popular crossword offerings. The game presents a grid filled with interconnected words, where players must identify theme-related words and a special "spangram" — a hidden phrase that ties the puzzle together. Each day's puzzle revolves around a specific theme, challenging players to think creatively and linguistically.
Today's Puzzle Theme: "To a Degree"
The theme "To a Degree" suggests a focus on words that denote varying levels or extents of something. This could encompass terms related to measurements, intensities, or scales. Solvers are encouraged to think about words that fit these categories and how they might interconnect within the grid.
Tips for Solving Today's Puzzle
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Start with the Spangram: Identifying the spangram can provide a significant clue to the theme and help in uncovering other words.
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Look for Prefixes and Suffixes: Words related to degrees often share common prefixes or suffixes, such as "sub-", "super-", "-est", or "-ly".
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Consider Measurement Units: Think about units of measurement or terms that describe levels, such as "centi-", "mega-", "degree", "scale", etc.
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Use Process of Elimination: If you're stuck, eliminate unlikely options to narrow down the possibilities.
Sample Grid and Word List
| Position | Word | Length | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MILD | 4 | Horizontal |
| 2 | SLIGHT | 6 | Vertical |
| 3 | MODERATE | 8 | Horizontal |
| 4 | SEVERE | 6 | Vertical |
| 5 | INTENSE | 7 | Horizontal |
| 6 | EXTREME | 7 | Vertical |
| 7 | DEGREE | 6 | Horizontal |
| 8 | SCALE | 5 | Vertical |
Today's Answers
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Theme Words:
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MILD
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SLIGHT
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MODERATE
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SEVERE
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INTENSE
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EXTREME
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DEGREE
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SCALE
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Spangram: "LEVELS"
Final Thoughts
The "To a Degree" puzzle offers a delightful challenge for word game enthusiasts, encouraging players to explore the nuances of language related to measurement and intensity. By focusing on the theme and utilizing the provided tips, solvers can enhance their puzzle-solving skills and enjoy the satisfaction of completing today's Strands.
