If you’ve arrived here, it’s likely that you’re seeking assistance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ intricate word-search challenge.
**Strands** introduces an innovative spin on the classic word search. You can create words by connecting letters in any orientation—up, down, left, right, or diagonally. However, there’s a twist: words can abruptly change their direction, leading to distinctive shapes and configurations. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, with all answers interconnected by a shared theme. Additionally, there’s the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other NYT games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, **Strands** presents a more complex challenge. It does not supply a word list, transforming it into a brain-teaser that demands more time and effort to conquer. If you find yourself in a bind or pressed for time, we have all the hints you need to approach today’s puzzle at your leisure.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 12](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-12-2024)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 12](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-12-2024)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: Shape and Bake**
The theme centers around shapes that you can create with dough.
### **Theme Explained**
Consider shapes you would link with baking — especially those that could go into the oven.
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## **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram is arranged horizontally.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **CookieCutter**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for December 12**
Here’s the complete list of answers for today’s puzzle:
– **Bell**
– **Star**
– **Flower**
– **Bunny**
– **Diamond**
– **Heart**
– **Angel**
– **CookieCutter**
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### **SEE ALSO:**
In search of more games? Visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for hints and solutions to other daily puzzles. You can also browse **[Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and additional options.
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### **Missed a Day?**
[Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-11-2024)