Issue #665 Sun 28 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 28, 2025
The weekend brings a grid that asks for a bit of extra care. Steady observation is required to navigate the layout.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Cold air, a stuck-in-throat moment, the camera flash you weren't ready for — three different snags, same body.
General health and human physiology
INDICATORS OF SEASONAL ILLNESS
Spangram 4 hints · 11 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
11 letters.
Starts with C, ends with M.
COLDSYMPTOM
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (5 letters)
- 2 D (4 letters)
- 3 H (4 letters)
- 4 S (6 letters)
- 5 S (7 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
- 7 W (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CO (5 letters)
- 2 DR (4 letters)
- 3 HA (4 letters)
- 4 SN (6 letters)
- 5 SN (7 letters)
- 6 SN (5 letters)
- 7 WH (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A sharp, involuntary bark from the chest.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COUGH
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
What happens when the faucet is left slightly open.
4 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DR.
DRIP
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A rough, raspy sound that signals a persistent irritation.
4 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HA.
HACK
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
That sudden, reflexive expulsion of air when dust hits the nose.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNEEZE
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The quiet, persistent sound of a congested nose.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNIFFLE
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A short, sharp burst of air through the nostrils.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNORT
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The tight, whistling sound of labored breathing.
6 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WH.
WHEEZE
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
- COUGH
- DRIP
- HACK
- SNEEZE
- SNIFFLE
- SNORT
- WHEEZE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 28, 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 28, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 28, 2025?
NYT Strands on December 28, 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 28, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 11 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "C" — 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 28, 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 · 11-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 11-letter spangram