If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you’re in search of assistance to navigate **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ intricate word-search puzzle.
**Strands** adds an imaginative twist to the classic word search. Rather than merely locating words in straight lines, you can form words by connecting letters in any direction — upwards, downwards, sideways, or diagonally. Even more intriguing, words can alter their course, creating distinctive shapes and patterns. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all responses are interconnected by a central theme. Additionally, there’s the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and runs across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
—
### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
—
In contrast to other *NYT* games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, **Strands** presents a more demanding challenge. With just a broad hint and no list of words to assist you, it’s a genuine brain teaser that may require extra time to unravel. However, if you find yourself short on time or caught up in confusion, we’ve compiled all the clues you may need to proceed at your own pace.
—
### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 15](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-15-2024)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 15](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-15-2024)
—
## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: Moonlighting!**
The focus of today’s theme is words that denote the **size of the moon**.
### **Theme Explained**
All the responses pertain to the **phases of the moon**.
—
## **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram stretches across the grid **horizontally**.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **LunarPhases**.
—
## **NYT Strands Word List for December 15**
Here are the solutions for today’s puzzle:
– **Waxing**
– **Full**
– **Waning**
– **Crescent**
– **Gibbous**
– **Quarter**
– **LunarPhase**
—
### **Looking for More Games?**
If you enjoy daily puzzles, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for additional hints and solutions. You can also browse our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.
Did you miss the Strands from yesterday? [Here’s the solution for December 14.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-14-2024)