If you’ve arrived here, it’s likely you’re looking for some assistance to master **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, the *New York Times*’ elegant word-search game.
**Strands** adds an inventive flair to the classic word search. You can create words by linking letters in any direction — whether it’s up, down, left, right, or diagonal. What distinguishes it is the ability for words to alter their path mid-connection, producing distinctive shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all answers are interwoven by a unifying theme. Moreover, there’s the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and covers the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### Related:
**[Engage with Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)**
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In contrast to other well-known *New York Times* games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands presents a tougher challenge. By offering just a vague clue and no list of words, it requires more time and cognitive effort to solve. If you’re pressed for time or struggling with today’s puzzle, we have all the hints and solutions you need to progress at your own speed.
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### Related:
– **[Wordle today: Clue and solutions for December 20](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-20-2024)**
– **[NYT Connections clues and solutions for December 20](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-20-2024)**
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Morning Morsel**
The words in the puzzle today are all connected to breakfast foods.
### **Theme Explained**
The solutions consist of singular forms of common breakfast items.
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## **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram is along the horizontal axis.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for the day is **Cereal**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for December 20**
Here’s the complete list of words for today’s challenge:
– **Loop**
– **Cheerio**
– **Crunch**
– **Puff**
– **Pebble**
– **Charm**
– **Flake**
– **Smack**
– **Cereal**
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### Featured Video:
**Strands 101: How to Succeed at NYT’s Newest Word Game**
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Searching for additional games to enjoy? Head to **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for daily puzzles and challenges like Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords.
If you’re having trouble with yesterday’s Strands puzzle, you can find the answer **[here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-19-2024)**.
For even more amusement, take a look at our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for a wide array of puzzles and games to keep you entertained!