Issue #653 Tue 16 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 16, 2025
A steady, rhythmic path through the grid today. The letters fall into place with the patience of a long-form Sunday crossword.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The standing ovation after the final note, or the gold star on the top of the term paper.
Verbal indicators of extreme approval
WORDS OF ADULATION
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
10 letters.
Starts with H, ends with E.
HIGHPRAISE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (9 letters)
- 2 C (8 letters)
- 3 F (5 letters)
- 4 K (11 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BE (9 letters)
- 2 CH (8 letters)
- 3 FU (5 letters)
- 4 KI (11 letters)
- 5 SM (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
Look for the word used to describe a sunset that stops traffic.
9 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BE.
BEAUTIFUL
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
Think of the person at the party who everyone immediately wants to talk to.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHARMING
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A sitcom observation that hits just right.
5 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FU.
FUNNY
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
Someone who always remembers to bring an extra umbrella for a neighbor.
11 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KI.
KINDHEARTED
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The student who finishes the test in half the allotted time with a perfect score.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMART
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
- BEAUTIFUL
- CHARMING
- FUNNY
- KINDHEARTED
- SMART
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 16, 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 16, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 16, 2025?
NYT Strands on December 16, 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 December 16, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "H" — 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 16, 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