If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you’re seeking assistance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ elegant take on the classic word search game.
### What is Strands?
Strands invites participants to expand their thinking beyond the conventional word search. Words are created by linking letters in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally—and can even vary direction within a word, resulting in distinctive shapes and patterns. The objective is to incorporate every letter in the grid as part of a solution. Each puzzle features a central theme and includes a special word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which represents the theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### A Mind-Bending Challenge
In contrast to other NYT games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands does not offer a predefined word list, making it a more demanding and time-intensive experience. Instead, a subtle hint is provided to steer you toward the theme. If you’re pressed for time or feeling challenged, we have all the hints and solutions you need to approach today’s Strands puzzle at your leisure.
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### Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: A Timely Focus
Today’s puzzle theme centers around **watches**.
### Theme Clarified
The terms in today’s puzzle are all associated with the concept of telling time.
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### Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?
For the current puzzle, the spangram is **vertical**.
### Spangram Solution
The spangram for today’s Strands is **WatchWords**.
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### Word List for December 8
Here’s the full list of words for today’s challenge:
– **Hands**
– **Face**
– **Digital**
– **Crown**
– **Analog**
– **Luxury**
– **Bezel**
– **WatchWords**
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### Seeking More Games?
If you’re interested in additional puzzles, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for a range of options, including Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more. You can also check our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for even more entertainment.
Missed yesterday’s Strands puzzle? **[Here’s the solution for December 7](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-7).**
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Prepared to immerse yourself in Strands? Or perhaps you’re searching for other everyday challenges? Either way, enjoy puzzling!