NYT Strands Puzzle #140: Cutting-Edge ‘S-Words’ to Sharpen Your Mind
The excitement of Sunday mornings has just been enhanced with the NYT Strands puzzle. Enthusiasts of word challenges eagerly turn to cracking the theme and solving the spangram each day. Today’s puzzle, #140, carries an intriguing theme: ‘S-Words? (a cutting-edge theme!)’. Let’s dive into what that entails.
Today’s Theme and Hints
The theme for today’s puzzle is titled ‘S-words? (a cutting-edge theme!)’. This theme hints at words related to bladed weapons. If you’re still scratching your head, we’ve devised some useful hints to nudge you in the right direction:
- Hint for the Theme Words: Think of old-fashioned weapons used for cutting.
- Hint for the Spangram: A plural word referring to the sharp parts of swords, starting with ‘B’ and ending with ‘S’.
Today’s Strands Answers
Ready for the big reveal? After some puzzling, here are the answers to the NYT Strands Puzzle #140:
- Theme Words: CLAYMORE, MACHETE, CUTLASS, RAPIER, KATANA, SCIMITAR
- Spangram: BLADES
Decoding the Answers
At first glance, the theme ‘S-Words? (a cutting-edge theme!)’ might seem misleading due to the lack of words starting with ‘S’. However, upon a closer look, it becomes evident that the theme cleverly revolves around various types of cutting weapons. To crack the code, read the theme as ‘Swords’ instead of ‘S-words’.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown on how the puzzle was solved:
- Claymore: This word appeared right across the top, setting the tone for the rest of the puzzle.
- Scimitar: Found coiled around the bottom-right corner.
- Rapier: Noticed in the bottom-left corner.
- Katana: Spotted along the bottom.
- Cutlass: Placed between Claymore and the spangram.
- Machete: Completed the puzzle, to the left of Cutlass.
The spangram ‘BLADES’ strategically splits the board from top to bottom, making the remaining words easier to recognize and connect.
Simple Tips for Strands Puzzles
For those of you new to the game, here are a few tips to help you excel in solving Strands puzzles:
- Look for obvious patterns: Identify any prominent or repeating letter combinations.
- Understand the theme: The theme is your best clue. It’s where all the words will pivot around.
- Keep an eye on the spangram: It spans the entire board and, once found, it makes solving the puzzle considerably easier.
Why The NYT Strands Is Gaining Popularity
The NYT Strands puzzle, a beta game, combines elements of crosswords and word searches, resulting in a multifaceted brain teaser. Each day, it presents a new challenge, keeping the player’s mind sharp and engaged. Fans of word games appreciate the intellectual stimulation it provides and the sense of accomplishment when the puzzle is finally solved.
For those who haven’t delved into Strands yet, it’s a game that’s well worth trying. It’s a daily ritual for many, a time to test their vocabulary and pattern recognition skills while enjoying their morning coffee.
So, grab your digital tools and head over to the NYT Games to tackle the latest Strands puzzle. Happy puzzling!
(Image credit: Alan Martin)
Mehek 
Priyanka