If today’s Strands is tying you in knots, here’s a clean breakdown of the theme, spoiler‑free guidance to get moving, and the complete answers when you’re ready. You can play or resume the puzzle on the official Strands page at nytimes.com/games/strands.

Strands #593 at a glance

Date Friday, October 17, 2025
Puzzle number #593
Difficulty Moderate
Theme title Gait keeping
Spangram phrase SILLY WALKS (10 letters in grid)
Spangram path hint Touches the bottom edge in column 4 and the top edge in column 3
Good bonus words to earn a hint PERCH, CLASP, SAUCY, WELLY, ROTA, LAKES
Release timing Drops at midnight in your time zone

Spoiler‑free hints

  • Think about manner of movement on foot — not destinations, but styles.
  • Expect a few lively or playful verbs alongside slower, heavier motions.
  • The spangram unites the set under one playful umbrella term.

Want a nudge without revealing a theme word? Use any of the bonus words in the table above to trigger an in‑game hint.

NYT Strands answers (game #593)

Spoilers below.

Word Sense
CAPER Playful skip or lightfooted hop
CAVORT Move about excitedly or boisterously
PRANCE Showy, bouncy strut
GALUMPH Clumsy, heavy movement
SCUTTLE Quick, short, scampering walk
TRAIPSE Trudge or wander wearily
Spangram SILLY WALKS

How hints work in Strands

  • Enter any non‑theme word of at least four letters to earn a hint.
  • Each valid extra word grants one hint.
  • Spending a hint auto‑reveals one theme word in the grid.

The “Gait keeping” set leans into expressive motion — a mix of jaunty and lumbering verbs — with the 10‑letter spangram tying them together. If you’re chasing a streak, banking a hint early with a safe bonus word can be a smart way to unlock the board without giving too much away.