If you’ve found your way here, it’s likely that you’re looking for some help with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ engaging word-search game.
**Strands** brings a novel spin to the conventional word search. You can construct words by linking letters in any direction — upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally. Its distinctiveness lies in the ability of words to alter direction, resulting in complex shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all answers connect to a main theme. Furthermore, there’s the “spangram” — a unique word or phrase that encapsulates 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 NYT games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands presents only a vague clue and lacks a word list, making it a more daunting and time-heavy challenge. However, if you’re finding it difficult or don’t have the luxury of spending over 10 minutes on today’s puzzle, we have all the clues you require to progress at your own speed.
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### SEE ALSO:
[**Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 3**](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-3-2025)
[**NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 3**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-3-2025)
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## NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: *On Auto*
The words featured in today’s puzzle relate to the external components of a vehicle.
### Today’s NYT Strands Theme Explained
The theme focuses on automobile parts.
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## NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?
Today’s spangram runs horizontally.
### NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Today
The spangram is **CarBody**.
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## NYT Strands Word List for January 3
Here’s the complete list of answers for today’s puzzle:
– **Hood**
– **Mirror**
– **Trunk**
– **Windshield**
– **Door**
– **Bumper**
– **Grille**
– **Car Body**
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### Featured Video for You
**Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game**
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### Looking for More Games?
If you’re on the hunt for additional daily online games, explore **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for more hints and puzzles. You can also browse **[Mashable’s Games Hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for classics like Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and beyond.
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### Not the Day You’re Looking For?
[Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-2-2025)