Today's spangram answer on Friday, May 23, 2025, is BEANSALAD. Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Friday, May 23 first appeared on Parade on May 23, 2025

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns.

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.