DailyWordHints
Monday, May 25, 2026#990

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Monday, May 25

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

“Thank you”

Spangram
MEMORIALDAY
Theme words
  • HONOR
  • PROTECTION
  • SACRIFICE
  • SERVICE
  • VIRTUE

NYT Strands #990 (Monday, May 25) theme is “Thank you”. Spangram: MEMORIALDAY. Theme words: HONOR, PROTECTION, SACRIFICE, SERVICE, VIRTUE.

Today’s theme

“Thank you”

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    MEMORIALDAY
    Theme words
    • HONOR
    • PROTECTION
    • SACRIFICE
    • SERVICE
    • VIRTUE

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #990, Monday, May 25. The official theme is "Thank you" — work through the hints before revealing the spangram.

    How Strands hints work

    Each hint reveals a bit more about the theme and the spangram without naming any answer word. The full list of theme words stays below the fold.

    How to crack the spangram

    The spangram touches two opposite sides of the board and sums up the whole theme, so it's usually the longest answer. Find a couple of theme words first, ask what links them, then look for a long path that stretches edge to edge.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Strands spangram for May 25 (#990)?
    Today's Strands spangram is MEMORIALDAY.
    What is the Strands theme today (#990)?
    The theme clue is "Thank you", and the theme words are HONOR, PROTECTION, SACRIFICE, SERVICE, VIRTUE.
    How many theme words are in a Strands puzzle?
    Each Strands board hides a set of theme words plus one spangram. Today's puzzle has 5 theme words to find alongside the spangram.