New York Times provides hints for today's Strands and Connections puzzles

On June 22, 2025, The New York Times released hints and answers for its widely recognized puzzle games, including Strands and Connections. The details provided in these publications are designed to assist avid players in solving daily challenges presented in the games. Strands, known for its thematic challenges, for this day had a theme titled 'Fragrant abuse', presenting various clues and words needed to solve the puzzle, while also accommodating players needing additional guidance after hitting roadblocks. Moreover, the Connection puzzle also followed suit, offering hints that catered to broader concepts while encouraging groupings and associations among the words. In the Strands puzzle for this day, players were advised of several clue words that could help reveal hidden words matching the puzzle's theme. To facilitate gameplay, users were coached to gather words of four letters or more, with examples like REEK and GENT being highlighted for their usefulness in unlocking game progress. The final answers for this Strands challenge included terms related to unpleasant smells, such as REEKING and FOUL, culminating in a spangram solution deemed critical for completion. Such spangrams are essential as they utilize every letter on the game board and help reinforce the thematic elements represented by the puzzle's title. On the other hand, the Connections puzzle featured varied categories, each with distinct hints aimed at guiding players toward the correct groupings. For example, players were given hints across four different categories ranging from current news events to historic documents. The categories reflect notions like 'news announcements' that encompass terms like bulletin and flash, while also tapping into historic context with nouns relating to the Declaration of Independence. The complexity of these puzzles not only enhances player engagement but also provides a platform for learning, as players explore both contemporary and historical themes through gameplay. The publication of hints and solutions allows the engaged audience to better appreciate these daily puzzles, which are more than merely diversion; they serve as both entertainment and education. Overall, the releases on June 22 serve as a testament to The New York Times' commitment to fostering a community of puzzle enthusiasts who rely on shared hints and strategies to navigate challenging game tasks strategically. The interplay of thematic elements and clever wordplay exemplifies the essence of these beloved puzzles, underscoring their impact on readers’ daily routines and cultural engagement.