Today’s Strands Hints, Clues and Answer for Puzzle #661
A new day means a new opportunity to win on Strands.
The New York Times puzzle, which was introduced in May 2024, melds a word search and crossword into one challenge. But before jumping into today’s theme hints and answers, some tips on how to play.
Strands begins with a blank 6x4 grid filled with various letters and a box with today’s theme. Then, players will look for words that go along with the daily theme.
A few important rules to note:
- No words can overlap with one another.
- The entire board must be filled to complete the game.
- Letters that are above, below, next to and diagonal from each other are fair game when making a word.
- Players can find non-themed words to create a hint, which shows an outline of letters that spell out a theme word.
Last but not least is the holy grail of Strands: the “spangram.” Each game comes with one of these challenge words, which span opposite sides of the board — either up to down, or left to right.
Users can play Strands for free, but in order to access in-depth performance statistics and analytics, a New York Times Games subscription or a full New York Times subscription is required.
Without further ado, here are the hints and clues for today’s Strands answers. Plus, find out the theme words and spangram answer for the December 24, 2025, puzzle at the bottom.
What is a hint for today’s Strands theme?
Think home sweet home.
What letters do today’s Strands theme words start with?
- CO--
- SO--
- WA--
- CO---
- HO---
- RE------
- PL------
What letter does today’s spangram word start with?
S
What is the definition of today’s spangram?
This four-word phrase means being as cozy as can be.
What is today’s Strands theme words?
The solutions to today’s Strands theme words will appear under this image. Proceed with caution.
- Cozy
- Soft
- Warm
- Comfy
- Homey
- Relaxing
- Pleasant
What is today’s spangram word?
The answer to today’s Spangram word will appear under this image. Proceed with caution.
Snugasabug
Deanna Janes
DeAnna Janes is a freelance writer and editor for a number of sites, including Harper’s BAZAAR, Tasting Table, Fast Company and Brit + Co, and is a passionate supporter of animal causes, copy savant, movie dork and reckless connoisseur of all holidays. A native Texan living in NYC since 2005, Janes has a degree in journalism from Texas A&M and got her start in media at US Weekly before moving on to O Magazine, and eventually becoming the entertainment editor of the once-loved, now-shuttered DailyCandy. She’s based on the Upper West Side.
