Stuck on today’s NYT Strands puzzle and need some hints to crack it? Puzzle #246, released Nov. 4, brings a fresh word-finding challenge built around a theme: time-related phrases with a twist. Now officially part of The New York Times Games app alongside popular games like Wordle and Connections, Strands adds unique variety and complexity to the NYT puzzle lineup. Here are some hints and answers to get you started on today’s puzzle.
Strands challenges players to uncover theme-related words hidden within a grid of letters. By clicking or dragging letters in sequence, players can form words, which fall into two main categories: hint words and theme words. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:
Identify the Theme: Each Strands puzzle is based on a specific theme. Today’s theme hint is “In a(n),” suggesting phrases related to time and immediacy. Think about words that fit this context.
Form Words: Click or drag across letters to create words. Once you select the last letter, double-click it to submit your word. Theme words will light up in blue, while other words act as hints that can help reveal additional theme words.
Unlock Hints: The game will reveal a theme word after you find three hint words with four or more letters each. If you’re still struggling, finding three more hint words will highlight the letters of the theme word in order.
The Spangram: Each puzzle has a central theme word or “spangram” that spans the entire puzzle, either horizontally or vertically. This word encapsulates the puzzle theme and includes every letter on the board.
Completion: Once all letters on the board are part of a theme word, hint word, or spangram, the puzzle is complete.
The theme hint for today’s puzzle is “In a(n),” suggesting phrases that reflect brevity or immediacy. Words like “Very soon now” might come to mind, hinting at brief moments or durations.
Any four-letter word or longer can act as a hint word, but here are some useful options that might help reveal today’s theme words:
TAINT, TAINTS, MOLT, TONE, TOES, DIAL
TIME, TOED, SMITE, NOTE, MINTS, MINT
STAIN, STAINS, TALL, MITT, MITTS, CONE
DIME, EMIT, MALT
These words can help unlock theme words. Try experimenting with different four-letter combinations to find additional hints.
In addition to uncovering hint words, the goal of today’s puzzle is to find all theme words, based on phrases that represent short durations. Here are the answers that align with today’s theme:
TICK
FLASH
JIFFY
MINUTE
MOMENT
SECOND
INSTANT
These words reflect quick durations, fitting with the theme hint “Very soon now.”
The spangram, or central theme word, for today’s puzzle, is SMALL TIME. This phrase represents short periods and connects to the theme of brief moments. To locate it, start at the “S” three letters to the right on the top row, then wind down through the board.
Use Hint Words Strategically: The quicker you find hint words, the faster you’ll uncover theme words. Hint words can be broad, so look for any common four-letter combinations to move the puzzle forward.
Focus on the Theme: Sticking to the theme can help identify potential words. Each puzzle centres around a particular idea, providing clues for what types of words to look for.
Experiment with Four-Letter Words: Not all hint words will directly relate to the theme, but they might help you discover theme words indirectly. The more combinations you try, the higher your chances of solving the puzzle.
NYT Strands provides a unique experience for fans of word puzzles, offering a combination of classic wordplay and thematic twists. Despite its quieter profile compared to Wordle or Connections, Strands offers an engaging challenge for any word enthusiast. Check back daily for new hints, solutions, and tips to improve at Strands. With practice, players can solve puzzles faster and deepen their enjoyment of the game.