If you’re present here, you are likely seeking some advice on playing [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ advanced word-search game.
**Strands** offers a unique twist on the classic word search. Words can be constructed by connecting letters in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally—and can even shift direction, allowing for distinctive shapes and formations. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all answers are linked to a central theme. Furthermore, there’s the “spangram,” a specific word or phrase that represents 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 well-known games like [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), **Strands** does not offer a word list, making it a more demanding and time-intensive puzzle. Instead, players receive a subtle hint to assist them, turning it into a genuine brain teaser.
If you find yourself unable to solve today’s puzzle or lack the time, we have all the hints necessary to address today’s **NYT Strands** challenge at your own pace.
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### SEE ALSO:
[**Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 31**](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-31-2024)
[**NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 31**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-31-2024)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Resolutions**
The words featured in today’s puzzle relate to the conclusion of matters.
## **Today’s Theme Explained**
The answers pertain to endings.
## **Spangram Hint: Is it Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram is vertical.
## **Spangram Answer for Today**
The spangram for today’s challenge is **ItsOver**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for December 31**
Here is the complete list of answers for today’s puzzle:
– **Finale**
– **Ending**
– **Closure**
– **Conclusion**
– **Epilogue**
– **Coda**
– **ItsOver**
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### Seeking More Games?
If you are looking for additional daily online games, explore [**Mashable’s Games page**](https://mashable.com/category/games) for more hints and puzzles. From Mahjong to Sudoku and free crosswords, there’s something available for everyone.
Interested in more puzzles? Visit [**Mashable’s Games Hub**](https://games.mashable.com/) for a range of games that will keep your mind engaged.
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### Missed Yesterday’s Puzzle?
[Here’s the solution to December 30’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-30-2024)