Issue #288 Mon 16 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — 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 hints · 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 hints · 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 hints · 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 hints · 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 hints · 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 hints · 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 hints · 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
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- ANKLET
- ATHLEISURE
- BRUNCH
- SMOG
- SPORK
- ZORSE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 16, 2024. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for December 16, 2024, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 16, 2024?
NYT Strands on December 16, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the December 16, 2024 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 12 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "P" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on December 16, 2024?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram