The NYT Strands puzzle for November 1, 2025, delighted word game enthusiasts with the theme “It’s not polite to lick your plate.” The vertical spangram ‘GOOD TASTE’ unlocked a grid full of culinary-themed words like DELICIOUS and FLAVOURFUL. The puzzle challenged players to spot hidden words linked by gourmet goodness.
Wordplay with a Side of Whimsy: NYT Strands Puzzle Dishes Out ‘GOOD TASTE’
The New York Times Strands puzzle for November 1, 2025, was a treat for foodies and wordsmiths alike. With the cheeky theme “It’s not polite to lick your plate,” the puzzle invited players to explore a six-by-eight grid packed with culinary clues. The goal? Find words that reflect the essence of gourmet indulgence.
Puzzle Highlights & Wordplay Delights:
Spangram of the Day: ‘GOOD TASTE’
The spangram, a special word that spans the entire grid and encapsulates the theme, was ‘GOOD TASTE’, placed vertically starting with ‘GO’.
Unlocking the spangram was key to solving the puzzle and revealing the thematic connections.
Theme Words That Made the Cut
Words like DELICIOUS, FLAVOURFUL, SAVOURY, YUMMY, TASTY, and PALATE were hidden in quirky patterns across the grid.
Each word could twist and turn—up, down, diagonally—making the hunt both challenging and satisfying.
Gameplay Mechanics
Strands differs from traditional word searches by allowing multi-directional linking, meaning words can change direction mid-path.
Every letter in the grid is part of a solution, adding to the complexity and rewarding sharp observation.
Why It’s a Hit
The puzzle’s food-centric theme resonated with players, especially those who enjoy culinary vocabulary.
Its clever clues and satisfying reveals made it a standout among NYT’s growing lineup of games like Wordle and Connections.
Tips for Solving
Start by identifying the spangram—it often unlocks the theme.
Look for familiar food adjectives and use trial-and-error to trace their paths.
Don’t forget: words can bend, twist, and loop!
The November 1 Strands puzzle was more than just a brain teaser—it was a celebration of flavor, finesse, and fun. Whether you’re a crossword connoisseur or a casual gamer, this puzzle served up a satisfying slice of wordplay.
Sources: Times of India, Mashable