Issue #636 Sat 29 Nov
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — November 29, 2025
A quiet Saturday morning offers a steady pace for those who prefer their wordplay without the usual race against the clock. Take your time with the grid, as the connections here rely on patience rather than speed.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Look at the rusted hinge on the back gate, or the way a heavy trunk moves on a dolly.
Classical physics and engineering basics
FUNDAMENTAL MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE DEVICES
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
13 letters.
Starts with S, ends with E.
SIMPLEMACHINE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (4 letters)
- 2 L (5 letters)
- 3 P (5 letters)
- 4 P (6 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
- 6 W (5 letters)
- 7 W (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AX (4 letters)
- 2 LE (5 letters)
- 3 PL (5 letters)
- 4 PU (6 letters)
- 5 SC (5 letters)
- 6 WE (5 letters)
- 7 WH (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
This central rod allows the car to turn corners smoothly.
4 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AX.
AXLE
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Use this bar to pry up a stubborn floorboard.
5 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LE.
LEVER
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
An inclined surface that helps move heavy cargo to a higher elevation.
5 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PL.
PLANE
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A grooved circular rim used with a rope to lift something heavy.
6 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PU.
PULLEY
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A threaded fastener that secures two pieces of wood together.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCREW
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A tapered object that splits a log when struck with a heavy hammer.
5 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WE.
WEDGE
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
This circular object rolls to reduce friction over long distances.
5 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WH.
WHEEL
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
- AXLE
- LEVER
- PLANE
- PULLEY
- SCREW
- WEDGE
- WHEEL
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on November 29, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for November 29, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on November 29, 2025?
NYT Strands on November 29, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the November 29, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 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 November 29, 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 13-letter spangram