The New York Times Strands puzzle for Friday, October 17, 2025 (Puzzle #593) challenges players with the theme “Gait Keeping”, a clever twist on the way people move.
This daily word game, known for its unique blend of word search and puzzle logic, tasks players with finding a set of theme-based words hidden in a 6×8 grid, culminating in the discovery of a special “spangram” that spans the board and encapsulates the theme.
Today’s Theme and Hints
Strands Hints
The theme “Gait Keeping” points to distinctive, often playful ways of walking or moving. Players should look for verbs that describe light, energetic, or exaggerated forms of locomotion. These aren’t just walks—they’re full of character and flair.
Helpful contextual clues include non-theme words like PERCH, CLASP, SAUCY, WELLY, ROTA, and LAKES, which can be used in-game to unlock hints about the location of theme words. These clue words subtly reinforce the whimsical tone of today’s puzzle.
Spangram Details
The spangram for today’s puzzle is SILLYWALKS, a 10-letter phrase that runs vertically from the top (3rd column) to the bottom (4th column) of the grid. Starting with “SI”, this humorous term perfectly captures the essence of the theme—movement that is intentionally awkward, comical, or flamboyant.
Confirmed Theme Words
All six theme words are lively action verbs associated with animated or bouncy movement:
- CAPER – to leap or dance playfully
- PRANCE – to strut or move with high, springy steps
- CAVORT – to frolic or romp about
- SCUTTLE – to move quickly with short, hurried steps
- TRAIPSE – to walk or run about, often in a carefree or tiring way
- GALUMPH – to move with a clumsy, heavy tread
How to Solve the Puzzle
Begin by identifying common movement verbs in the grid. Once you’ve found a few words, use non-theme entries to earn hints—they’ll highlight letter sequences where the remaining theme words lie. The spangram is the key to unlocking the full theme, so keep an eye out for the vertical stretch of “SILLYWALKS.”
This puzzle is moderately accessible, with a strong narrative thread that ties all the words together through physical expression and humor. It’s a satisfying solve for fans of wordplay and movement alike.
Final Tip
If you’re stuck, remember: today’s theme isn’t about efficiency—it’s about personality in motion. Think of cartoon characters, flamboyant dancers, or over-the-top marches. The solution lies in the silliness.
Whether you cracked it early or needed a few nudge, October 17’s Strands puzzle delivers a fun, thematic challenge that celebrates the joy of movement—all centered on the unforgettable SILLYWALKS.
