Within the NYT Strands framework, the Spangram acts as a linchpin. Once you identify it, you can understand the day’s theme.

The New York Times, known for its puzzles since 1942, introduced Strands, a word game challenging players to find theme-related words and a Spangram. On May 15, 2025, the theme is 'Animal drives,' with 'Automobiles' as the Spangram.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns.

With its engaging mix of vocabulary, thematic depth, and a unique gameplay element in the form of the NYT Strands Spangram, the puzzle continues to carve out its own niche among word game enthusiasts.