
NYT Strands Sept 30 Hints & Answers #576 (Moral Values)
It’s Tuesday, September 30, 2025, and today’s NYT Strands puzzle (#576) comes with a wholesome twist. Unlike yesterday’s vocabulary challenge, this one pushes players to think about character traits and moral principles. The theme clue, “For goodness’ sake”, immediately points toward moral values and fine qualities.
However, this puzzle isn’t just about finding words—it’s about recognizing concepts tied to empathy, honesty, respect, and discipline. Moreover, the puzzle includes a spangram (VALUES), which unites all the words around the same uplifting theme.
Therefore, if you’re stuck or need step-by-step help, this guide provides progressive hints, the spangram location, the full answer list, and puzzle-solving strategies. Spoilers are clearly marked, so you can scroll at your own pace.
Today’s NYT Strands Theme: For Goodness’ Sake
The official theme for Strands #576 is “For goodness’ sake.” As expected, it revolves around moral values and character traits.
- These words highlight qualities admired across cultures.
- For instance, they include honesty, empathy, and respect.
- In addition, the puzzle emphasizes how values contribute to character development.
???? Check our NYT Strands September 29 guide for comparison. Yesterday’s puzzle leaned on flavor, while today focuses on virtue.
Progressive Hints and Clue Word Strategy
If you’d like some help without giving away the full answer, here are layered hints:
- Hint 1: The words describe personal character traits.
- Hint 2: They are often taught in schools and families.
- Hint 3: Words like honesty and respect belong here.
- Hint 4: The connecting spangram is a universal term for principles.
When solving moral vocabulary puzzles, it’s useful to:
- First, scan for longer, obvious words like DISCIPLINE.
- Next, test high-frequency ethical terms such as HONESTY.
- Finally, trace connecting letters to form the spangram.
Finding the Spangram: VALUES

The spangram for Strands #576 is VALUES.
- It runs across the grid in a winding path.
- Furthermore, it ties together all the moral words.
- Therefore, spotting it early makes it easier to locate the related answers.
According to NYT Games, the spangram always reflects the theme, and today’s VALUES perfectly encapsulates the puzzle.
Complete Character Values Vocabulary
Here are all the answers for today’s puzzle:
- EMPATHY – the ability to understand others’ feelings.
- HONESTY – truthfulness and integrity.
- RESPECT – showing regard for others’ rights and dignity.
- DISCIPLINE – self-control and commitment to growth.
- COOPERATION – working together for shared success.
- VALUES (Spangram) – core principles guiding behavior.
Each of these traits plays a vital role in character education. In fact, sources like Character.org emphasize these exact values in moral development.
Tuesday Values Puzzle Strategy
Tuesday Strands puzzles are often moderately challenging, and today’s was no exception.
- Start broad: Look for long, abstract words like DISCIPLINE.
- Then refine: Scan for shorter but powerful traits like HONESTY.
- Finally connect: Use VALUES as the backbone, weaving other traits around it.
Moreover, remember that moral vocabulary words usually share prefixes or endings (like -y or -ion). Recognizing these patterns can speed up solving time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is today’s NYT Strands theme for September 30, 2025?
The theme is “For goodness’ sake,” focusing on moral values, character traits, and fine qualities that define goodness.
What is the spangram for Strands #576?
The spangram is VALUES, uniting all the moral qualities into a central theme.
What are all the answers for Strands #576?
The answers are: EMPATHY, HONESTY, RESPECT, DISCIPLINE, COOPERATION, and spangram VALUES.
What does the ‘fine qualities to have’ hint refer to?
It refers to positive character traits and values like honesty, empathy, and respect, which society considers admirable.
How do these values work together in character development?
- EMPATHY builds compassion.
- HONESTY fosters trust.
- RESPECT strengthens relationships.
- DISCIPLINE develops responsibility.
- COOPERATION promotes teamwork.
Together, they form core VALUES.
After solving today’s main puzzle, you might be looking for more fun challenges to keep the momentum going. Fortunately, there are several trending games you can dive into right now. For example, sports fans can test their knowledge with the exciting Connections Sports Edition hints & answers. Moreover, if you want a daily dose of logic and pattern recognition, the NYT Connections hints & answers are perfect for sharpening your mind. Similarly, word lovers will enjoy the clever challenges in the NYT Strands hints & answers, which are packed with smart wordplay. In addition, if you’re short on time but still want a satisfying challenge, the Wordle hints & answer deliver quick fun every day. As a result, exploring these puzzles keeps you entertained while also building stronger problem-solving skills daily.
Conclusion
To summarize, NYT Strands #576 (September 30, 2025) centered on the theme “For goodness’ sake.” The answers included moral values like EMPATHY, HONESTY, RESPECT, DISCIPLINE, and COOPERATION, with VALUES as the spangram.
This puzzle not only tested word recognition but also reminded us of qualities essential to good character. Moreover, it highlighted how language learning can blend with moral education, making the experience both fun and meaningful.
As we transition into October’s puzzles, expect more creative themes that connect language with life lessons. Keep practicing and let every puzzle strengthen both your vocabulary and values.


