If you find yourself here, it’s likely that you’re looking for some insights to approach **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ intricate word-search game.
**Strands** offers a novel twist on the classic word search concept. Players can create words by linking letters in any direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonally. Additionally, words can shift direction in the middle of their formation, producing distinctive shapes and patterns. The catch? Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle centers around a particular theme, with a “spangram” — a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and covers 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 trending games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands does not offer a word list, increasing its challenge and the time required to solve it. Players receive a vague clue to assist them, enhancing the puzzle’s complexity.
If you find yourself at a standstill or lack the time to dedicate 10+ minutes to today’s puzzle, we have all the hints and solutions necessary to help you progress at your convenience.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
– [Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 24](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-24-2024)
– [NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 24](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-December-24-2024)
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## **NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: Who on earth…?**
Today’s theme centers on **women’s names**.
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Explained**
The solutions are **earth-inspired names**.
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## **NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is it Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram is **vertical**.
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## **NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Today**
The spangram is: **NatureNames**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for December 24**
Here are all the solutions for today’s puzzle:
– **Laurel**
– **Willow**
– **Brook**
– **Holly**
– **River**
– **Clementine**
– **NatureNames**
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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 eager for more puzzles, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for hints, tips, and a wide array of games like Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords.
Not participating in today’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-23-2024).