NYT Strands Answer & Hints for September 11, 2025 — Puzzle #557

Stuck on today’s Strands? Below you’ll find today’s theme, spoiler-light Spangram clues
(length, orientation, first/last letters), grid words that charge hints, first/last letters
for all theme words (length-obscured), definitions, and the full solution.

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About Today’s Strands

Puzzle #557 (published September 11, 2025). One special word — the Spangram — spans the grid and often gives away the theme.

Today’s Theme

Theme: Take a break

General Hints

Think of activities people do when they want some time off.
Relaxation, hobbies, self-care are central.
One word will bridge across the grid (the Spangram).

Spangram Length

The Spangram has 6 letters and is two words.

Spangram Orientation

The Spangram touches two opposite sides of the board: left side and right side, on the 3rd row.

Spangram First & Last Letters

Begins with M and ends with E.
Pattern preview (length-obscured): M___E

Note: We always display first/last letters as X___Y with three underscores, regardless of true length.

Hint Unlocker Words (from the grid)

DREAM
TIME
TATE
SEER
RISE
MEAT
MEAL
GATE
TEAT
PLUG
TEATIME

First & Last Letters of All Words

WORD 1: W___K
WORD 2: P___T
WORD 3: R___D
WORD 4: E___E
WORD 5: M___E
WORD 6: U___G
WORD 7: J___L

Spangram preview: M___E

Spangram

Click to reveal today’s Spangram

ME TIME

Spangram Definition

Click to reveal the definition of the Spangram

ME TIME — time spent relaxing on one’s own, doing what one enjoys; a break from stress or routine.

Example: “After a long week of work, she booked the weekend for some real me time.”

Sample Words

Click to reveal two words from today’s solution

READ
WALK

Full Solution

Click to reveal the complete answers

Theme: Take a break

Spangram: ME TIME

All words:

UNPLUG
EXERCISE
JOURNAL
READ
PAINT
WALK
MEDITATE
ME TIME (Spangram)

Definitions of All Words

Click to reveal definitions of today’s words

ME TIME — time spent relaxing on one’s own, doing what one enjoys; a break from stress or routine.
UNPLUG — to disconnect from electronic devices or the internet.
EXERCISE — engage in physical activity for fitness or enjoyment.
JOURNAL — write personal reflections or events in a diary or notebook.
READ — interpret and understand written or printed text.
PAINT — apply color to a surface using brush or other tools.
WALK — move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot without running.
MEDITATE — engage in deep thought or focus, often for relaxation or spiritual purposes.