NYT Strands August 1 hints and answers: Today's theme, Spangram, and word list explained

The NYT Strands puzzle for August 1, 2025, brings another clever twist that’s left many players scratching their heads. With a tricky theme and some curveball word placements, it’s definitely one of the tougher ones. If you’re stuck, you’re not alone, this one takes time. Luckily, the hints, spangram clue, and full answer list are all down below to guide you through it.

Let’s start with a quick spoiler-free tip: today’s puzzle slithers its way through your brain. Think scales, venom, and coils, yep, that should point you in the right direction. Still no luck? Keep reading.

• Theme clue: Slithering away

Not sure what that means? Here's a clearer hint, today’s puzzle is crawling with reptiles, more specifically types of snakes. Once you get that, the whole grid becomes easier to crack.

• Spangram clue: The special word spans the grid horizontally.
• Still need a push? The spangram you’re looking for is: Serpent.

Here are all the hidden words in today’s Strands puzzle:

• Viper
• Anaconda
• Rattler
• Cobra
• Serpent
• Adder
• Python
• Mamba

Each one ties into the reptilian theme, all snakes, all slithering through the grid in tricky paths.