If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you’re looking for some help with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, the sophisticated version of the classic word-search game from *The New York Times*.
**Strands** prompts players to go beyond the standard word search. Words are created by connecting letters in all directions — up, down, left, right, or diagonally. What sets this game apart is its distinctive twist: words can shift direction as they’re being formed, yielding intricate shapes and patterns. Each letter within the grid contributes to a solution, and all answers are connected through a shared theme. Furthermore, there’s the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that encompasses the day’s theme and stretches across the grid, either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and additional games: Play on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other NYT games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, **Strands** presents a tougher challenge by offering merely a vague clue and omitting a word list. This transforms it into a challenging puzzle that usually takes longer to complete.
However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or short on time to tackle today’s challenge, we’ve compiled all the hints you need to solve it at your convenience.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-13-2024)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-13-2024)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: One for the Swifties**
Today’s puzzle centers around Taylor Swift.
### **Theme Explained**
The words are all familiar to Taylor Swift enthusiasts.
### **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
The spangram for today’s game is arranged horizontally.
### **Spangram Answer**
Today’s spangram is **AlbumTitle**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for December 13**
Here are the solutions for today’s puzzle:
– **Folklore**
– **Fearless**
– **Midnights**
– **Evermore**
– **Lover**
– **AlbumTitle**
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### **Featured Video For You**
**Strands 101: How to excel in NYT’s latest word game**
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### **Looking for More Games?**
If you enjoy online puzzles, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for additional hints and advice. You can also discover **[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more](https://games.mashable.com/)** on our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)**.
Missed the puzzle from yesterday? [Here’s the answer to December 12’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-12-2024)