Work through the levels. Reveal the Spangram only when you’re truly ready.
Today’s clue: “March in June”
A gentle direction — no specifics.
Closer — the category is coming into focus.
Near-direct — only read if you’re stuck.
Direction only.
Getting closer.
Near-direct.
6 theme words — lengths in random order
Spaces not counted in total
All theme words — shuffled
These words fit the theme on the surface, but aren’t part of today’s solution. Knowing them ahead of time can save you minutes of searching.
Part of the longer spangram, but not a standalone theme word today.
The clue’s double meaning baits this word, but it doesn’t appear as an answer.
A common parade sight not included in the specific answer set.
An abstract sentiment that, while relevant, isn’t a concrete answer word.
a textbook decoy
The pun in the clue—'March' as both month and verb—quickly pointed toward Pride Month, making theme identification easy enough to justify a moderate difficulty. Spotting PARADE or RAINBOW early collapsed the rest of the board, as the remaining words FLAGS, RALLY, CELEBRATION, and DRAG all orbit these central Pride concepts. The spangram PRIDEMONTH was slightly harder to see because its compound nature and length could disguise it across the grid. DRAG was likely the trickiest theme word, being a specific cultural element that may not be top-of-mind for every solver, adding a small late-game bump.
The official clue 'March in June' is a playful double entendre. At first glance it might read like a calendar mix-up, but 'March' here is a verb meaning to walk in protest or celebration, pointing to the famous Pride marches that happen every June. The puzzle reveals this through words like PARADE, RALLY, and the spangram PRIDEMONTH, tying the pun directly to LGBTQ+ Pride Month in a satisfying 'aha' moment.
Tracy Bennett built this puzzle around the universal components of Pride rather than naming any single event or location. Instead of cities or specific protests, we get RAINBOW, FLAGS, PARADE, RALLY, CELEBRATION, and DRAG—timeless touchstones that resonate nationwide. This abstraction makes the puzzle feel accessible, while the inclusion of DRAG highlights a cultural anchor often overlooked. The spangram PRIDEMONTH acts as the umbrella, ensuring solvers understand these words are not random festive items but pieces of a meaningful whole.
