Issue #434 Mon 16 Dec
Strands hints — December 16, 2024
Today's grid requires a bit of linguistic patience. Tread carefully as the board begins to reveal its true shape.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Two separate paths meet at a single intersection where the pavement changes texture.
Linguistic fusion and word formation
BLENDED WORD CONSTRUCTIONS
Spangram 4 nudges · 12 letters
The connector word
A single twelve-letter noun
12 letters.
Starts with P, ends with X.
PORTMANTEAUX
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (6 letters)
- 2 A (10 letters)
- 3 B (6 letters)
- 4 S (4 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
- 6 Z (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AN (6 letters)
- 2 AT (10 letters)
- 3 BR (6 letters)
- 4 SM (4 letters)
- 5 SP (5 letters)
- 6 ZO (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A delicate piece of jewelry worn just above the shoe.
6 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AN.
ANKLET
Theme word 2 of 6 5 nudges · 10 letters
A theme word
Clothing comfortable enough for the gym but acceptable at the coffee shop.
10 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AT.
ATHLEISURE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A meal that occupies the space between morning coffee and the afternoon.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRUNCH
Theme word 4 of 6 5 nudges · 4 letters
A theme word
The thick, gray haze that hangs over the city skyline on a stagnant day.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMOG
Theme word 5 of 6 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
A dual-purpose utensil that saves you from choosing between a fork and a spoon.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SP.
SPORK
Theme word 6 of 6 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
An animal that carries the stripes of one parent and the build of another.
5 letters.
Starts with Z.
Starts with ZO.
ZORSE