If you’ve arrived here, it’s likely that you’re in search of some assistance to navigate **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times’* complex word-search game.
**Strands** introduces a distinctive approach to the classic word search format. Words can be crafted by connecting nearby letters in various orientations — vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in reverse. The novelty comes from the fact that words can switch directions without warning, forming elaborate shapes and designs. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all responses connect to a central theme. There’s also the “spangram,” an exclusive word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Play more games like Mahjong, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other well-liked NYT games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands presents a tougher challenge by offering only a vague clue and omitting a word list. This transforms it into a brain teaser that requires additional time and effort to decode.
However, if you find yourself in a bind or pressed for time, we have all the hints necessary to navigate today’s Strands puzzle at your leisure.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, tips for January 5](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-5-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 5](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-5-2025)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Cold Snap**
The words featured in this puzzle are frequently linked to winter climatic predictions.
### **Theme Explained**
The solutions pertain to terminology associated with wet, icy, or frozen climates.
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## **Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram is oriented vertically.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **Winter Weather**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for January 4**
Here are the solutions for today’s puzzle:
– **Frost**
– **Blizzard**
– **Snow**
– **Sleet**
– **Drizzle**
– **Flurry**
– **Winter Weather**
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Strands 101: How to conquer NYT’s latest word challenge](#)
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In search of additional games to enjoy? Explore **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for tips, tricks, and an assortment of puzzles. From **[Mahjong and Sudoku](https://games.mashable.com/)** to complimentary crosswords, there’s an option for everyone.
Did you miss yesterday’s Strands puzzle? [Here’s the answer for January 4, 2025.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-4-2025)