Issue #649 Fri 12 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 12, 2025
A light dusting of ink on the fingers and a few quiet hours to spare. Today offers a classic, steady climb through the lexicon.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The quill scratching against parchment, a single candle burning low, and the weight of a heavy book resting on your lap.
English literature and classic theater history.
FAMOUS ENGLISH PLAYWRIGHT
Spangram 4 hints · 7 letters
The connector word
A compound noun formed by a definite article and a common occupational title.
7 letters.
Starts with T, ends with D.
THEBARD
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 M (8 letters)
- 2 M (5 letters)
- 3 M (9 letters)
- 4 S (5 letters)
- 5 T (7 letters)
- 6 T (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 ME (8 letters)
- 2 ME (5 letters)
- 3 MI (9 letters)
- 4 SH (5 letters)
- 5 TE (7 letters)
- 6 TW (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
A man of business negotiating his pound of flesh in Venice.
8 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with ME.
MERCHANT
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The boisterous, laughing wives of Windsor.
5 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with ME.
MERRY
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A chaotic night in the woods where love and magic collide.
9 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MI.
MIDSUMMER
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A headstrong woman needing to be tamed by her suitor.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHREW
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A shipwreck on a mysterious island stirred up by a powerful sorcerer.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TE.
TEMPEST
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A night of revelry and mistaken identities after the holiday season.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TW.
TWELFTH
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
- MERCHANT
- MERRY
- MIDSUMMER
- SHREW
- TEMPEST
- TWELFTH
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 12, 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 12, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 12, 2025?
NYT Strands on December 12, 2025 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 12, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 7 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 December 12, 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 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 7-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 7-letter spangram