If you’ve arrived here, it’s likely you’re seeking some assistance with playing [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ intricate take on the traditional word search game.

### What is Strands?

Strands prompts players to move beyond standard word search techniques. Words can be created by linking letters in any direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonally. However, there’s a twist: words can also shift directions, forming distinct shapes and patterns. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all answers are interconnected by a common theme. The game also includes a “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that captures the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

### A Brain-Teasing Experience

Differing from other *New York Times* games such as [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), Strands does not provide a list of words, rendering it a more demanding and time-intensive puzzle. Instead, players receive a subtle hint to steer them in the right direction. If you’re pressed for time or feeling unsure, we have all the clues you need to approach today’s puzzle at your own pace.

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### **SEE ALSO:**
– [Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
– [Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 6](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-6-2025)
– [NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 6](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-6-2025)

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### Today’s NYT Strands Theme: *In Neutral*

Today’s theme centers around words that represent shades that are not entirely white.

#### **Theme Explained**
Every word in today’s puzzle features neutral color tones.

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### Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?

For the puzzle today, the spangram is horizontal.

#### **Spangram Answer**
Today’s spangram is **Winter Weather**.

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### Word List for January 6

Here’s the full list of words for today’s Strands puzzle:
– **Cream**
– **Eggshell**
– **Vanilla**
– **Ivory**
– **Linen**
– **Champagne**
– **Offwhites**

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### Looking for More Games?

If you enjoy daily puzzles, visit [**Mashable’s Games page**](https://mashable.com/category/games) for additional hints and solutions. You can also browse [**Mashable’s games hub**](https://games.mashable.com/) for a range of puzzles, including Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords.

Did you miss yesterday’s Strands puzzle? [Here’s the solution for January 5.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-5-2025)