If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you’re seeking some assistance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ refined version of the traditional word search game.
**Strands** introduces an innovative twist to classic word searches. You can create words by connecting letters in any direction — vertically, horizontally, or diagonally — and they can even shift directions, crafting unique shapes and designs. The challenge? Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle is unified by a central theme, and there is always a notable word or phrase known as the “spangram” that captures the theme and spans 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** does not provide a list of words, which adds a greater level of cognitive challenge. The game offers merely a broad hint, which may extend the time required to solve it. If you find yourself pressed for time or at a standstill, don’t fret — we have all the hints and solutions necessary to approach today’s puzzle at your own pace.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 17](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-17-2024)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 17](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-17-2024)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Hint: It’s Lit!**
The terms in today’s puzzle pertain to types.
### **Today’s Theme Explained**
The answers are all linked to literary genres.
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## **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
The spangram today extends across the grid horizontally.
### **Spangram Answer**
Today’s spangram is **FictionGenre**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for December 17**
Here are all the words required to solve today’s puzzle:
– **Crime**
– **Fantasy**
– **Romance**
– **FictionGenre**
– **Western**
– **Historical**
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### **Featured Video For You**
**Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game**
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If you’re looking for additional daily games, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for hints, tips, and even more puzzles. Whether it’s Mahjong, Sudoku, or free crosswords, there’s entertainment for everyone.
Did you miss yesterday’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to December 16’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-16-2024)