Issue #646 Tue 9 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 9, 2025
The gym floor has a specific, high-friction squeak that only appears under heavy exertion. Today's grid tracks the familiar geometry of a hardwood court.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The rhythmic thud of rubber on polished wood and the sudden, sharp whistle that stops everything in its tracks.
Professional and amateur competitive sports
PROFESSIONAL HARDWOOD COMPETITION
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
Single ten-letter noun
10 letters.
Starts with B, ends with L.
BASKETBALL
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (5 letters)
- 2 D (7 letters)
- 3 D (4 letters)
- 4 G (5 letters)
- 5 J (4 letters)
- 6 R (7 letters)
- 7 S (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BL (5 letters)
- 2 DR (7 letters)
- 3 DU (4 letters)
- 4 GU (5 letters)
- 5 JU (4 letters)
- 6 RE (7 letters)
- 7 SC (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A firm hand stops an incoming shot dead in the air.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLOCK
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Control the motion of the sphere by keeping it close to the floor.
7 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DR.
DRIBBLE
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Force the object through the iron ring with authority.
4 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DU.
DUNK
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Stay between the opponent and the intended destination.
5 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GU.
GUARD
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Leave the ground to reach a height that offers a better angle.
4 letters.
Starts with J.
Starts with JU.
JUMP
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Secure the object after it strikes the rim and misses.
7 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RE.
REBOUND
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Stand perfectly still to create a temporary obstacle for a defender.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCREEN
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
- BLOCK
- DRIBBLE
- DUNK
- GUARD
- JUMP
- REBOUND
- SCREEN
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 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 December 9, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 9, 2025?
NYT Strands on December 9, 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 December 9, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — 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 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 10-letter spangram