MYworldfix

NYT 'Strands' Hints & Answers for Thursday, December 19

Dec 18, 2024 at 11:30 PM

The New York Times' Strands puzzle offers a unique twist on the classic word search. It's currently in beta, relying on daily player engagement to stick around. Each day presents a new six by eight grid of letters, with the goal of finding a group of words with a common theme. A clue is provided to help identify the theme, and when a theme word is found, it remains highlighted in blue. Additionally, a special word called a spangram links two opposite sides of the board and can be a proper name. It remains highlighted in yellow when found. Every letter is used once in either a theme word or the spangram. Players can connect letters vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, and even switch directions mid-word. On a touchscreen, double tapping the last letter submits a guess. If three valid words of at least four letters that are not part of the theme are found, the Hint button is unlocked, highlighting the letters of one of the theme words. Be prepared for varying difficulties, as the puzzle creators like to surprise with different challenges like filling in missing words in phrases or focusing on synonyms and homophones.

Hint of the Day: Roll with It and Playing the Classics

How to Play Strands

The Strands puzzle is a captivating game that combines the elements of a word search with a hidden theme. The six by eight grid of letters presents a challenge as players strive to uncover the common thread among the words. The spangram, an important element, adds an extra layer of complexity by linking opposite sides of the board. It's not just about finding individual words but also understanding the relationships between them. The ability to connect letters in different directions gives players more flexibility in their search. The Hint button provides a helpful boost when needed, guiding players towards the theme words.

Each day brings a new set of words and a new theme to explore. The variety in difficulty ensures that players are constantly engaged and challenged. Whether it's dealing with missing words or focusing on word relationships, the Strands puzzle keeps players on their toes.

Today's Strands Hint and Answer

The NYT hint for today is "Roll with It," and the additional hint is "Playing the classics." This gives players a starting point to begin their search. The spangram for the day is "ROCKING," which can be found on the board. It serves as a key clue in uncovering the theme.

The answer list for today includes "METAL," "PROGRESSIVE," "GLAM," "ALTERNATIVE," "GRUNGE," and "PUNK." These are the words that players need to find within the grid. Each genre has its own charm and significance, and players may have a personal favorite. For the author, "Alt" holds a special place as it's what they grew up with, and they also have a soft spot for some Glam rock.

Playing the Strands puzzle is not only a fun activity but also a great way to exercise one's word skills and cognitive abilities. It allows players to explore different genres of music and discover new words and connections. Whether you're a word enthusiast or just looking for a challenging game, the Strands puzzle is worth a try. Follow the author on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky, and Instagram to stay updated on new puzzles and other interesting content. Pick up their sci-fi novels, the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy, for an immersive reading experience.