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NYT Launches Daily Word Game with Food Theme

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The New York Times has introduced NYT Strands, a new word game that launches daily at midnight.
Today's theme is "For the picking," with hints including RELY and DRIFTER.
The spangram for game #595 is APPLES, connecting to various food-related entries.
The NYT Crossword features a puzzle themed around a world without commercials, highlighting the shift in media consumption, with entries such as COOKIES ’N’ CREAM and ROCK ’N’ ROLL.

History

Historical Context

The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, after initially dismissing them as trivial. The decision was influenced by the Pearl Harbor attack, as publisher Arthur Hays Sulzberger recognized the need for engaging content during wartime. By the 1990s, the puzzle sold over 1 million copies weekly, reflecting its cultural significance and the evolution of print media.

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Story summary

The New York Times has introduced NYT Strands, a new word game that launches daily at midnight.
Today's theme is "For the picking," with hints including RELY and DRIFTER.
The spangram for game #595 is APPLES, connecting to various food-related entries.
The NYT Crossword features a puzzle themed around a world without commercials, highlighting the shift in media consumption, with entries such as COOKIES ’N’ CREAM and ROCK ’N’ ROLL.

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