Issue #293 Sat 21 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 21, 2024
Quiet columns and open space define the grid today. A patient approach serves the solver well.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A stone bench in a courtyard, the echo of footsteps on marble, and the low hum of a space designed for stillness.
Architecture and spiritual tradition
VENUES FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Spangram 4 hints · 12 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
12 letters.
Starts with S, ends with S.
SACREDSPACES
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (5 letters)
- 2 M (9 letters)
- 3 M (6 letters)
- 4 T (10 letters)
- 5 T (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AB (5 letters)
- 2 MO (9 letters)
- 3 MO (6 letters)
- 4 TA (10 letters)
- 5 TE (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Look for the home of a cloistered community, often surrounded by high stone walls and sprawling gardens.
5 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AB.
ABBEY
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A remote residence for those living under a vow of silence and communal work.
9 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MO.
MONASTERY
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
You might hear the call to prayer echoing from the tall minaret during the afternoon.
6 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MO.
MOSQUE
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
A portable or fixed structure housing an altar, often found in ancient nomadic history.
10 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TA.
TABERNACLE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Ancient columns carved from granite stand as a monument to history and silent devotion.
6 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TE.
TEMPLE
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
- ABBEY
- MONASTERY
- MOSQUE
- TABERNACLE
- TEMPLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 21, 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 21, 2024, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 21, 2024?
NYT Strands on December 21, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the December 21, 2024 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 12 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "S" — 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 21, 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 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 12-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 12-letter spangram