Issue #312 Thu 9 Jan
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — January 9, 2025
A steady pull on the line and a flash of silver beneath the surface. Today's puzzle requires a bit of patience as you navigate the depths.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The salt-crusted deck, a heavy rod bending against the current, and the cold weight of a catch pulled from the deep.
Marine biology and commercial fishing
OCEANIC PREDATORS
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with T, ends with Y.
TUNAFAMILY
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (8 letters)
- 2 B (6 letters)
- 3 B (7 letters)
- 4 S (8 letters)
- 5 Y (9 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AL (8 letters)
- 2 BI (6 letters)
- 3 BL (7 letters)
- 4 SK (8 letters)
- 5 YE (9 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
This variety is often labeled simply as white meat in a can.
8 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AL.
ALBACORE
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Named for the disproportionately large ocular organs that help it hunt in dim light.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BI.
BIGEYE
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A prized, massive species known for its dark, rich flesh and incredible speed.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLUEFIN
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A smaller, agile swimmer that earned its name by leaping across the water's surface.
8 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SK.
SKIPJACK
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
Recognizable by the distinct golden stripe running along its side.
9 letters.
Starts with Y.
Starts with YE.
YELLOWFIN
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
- ALBACORE
- BIGEYE
- BLUEFIN
- SKIPJACK
- YELLOWFIN
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on January 9, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for January 9, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on January 9, 2025?
NYT Strands on January 9, 2025 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 January 9, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "T" — 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 January 9, 2025?
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 · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 10-letter spangram