The New York Times’ Strands puzzle is a unique play on the classic word search game, with a new game available every day. Players are presented with a grid of letters and must find a group of words that have something in common, with a clue provided as to the theme. Additionally, players must find a special word called a spangram, which links opposite sides of the board. Every letter is used once in one of the theme words and spangram, which can connect vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
Players can unlock the Hint button by finding three valid words that are not part of the theme, and the game may include phrases, synonyms, or homophones to keep players on their toes. The difficulty level varies each day, ensuring a new challenge with every game. Today’s hint for Strands is “It’s all in your head,” with a further hint to “Visualize” to assist players in uncovering the theme. The answers to today’s puzzle include the spangram “MAKEBELIEVE” along with words like “REVERIE,” “FIGMENT,” “DAYDREAM,” “ILLUSION,” and “FANTASY.”
The words in today’s Strands puzzle all relate to the theme of ideas and concepts that can only be imagined in the mind, whether they are fantastical dreams or delusions. While some of the words may be more challenging to understand, such as “REVERIE,” which is defined as an instrumental piece suggesting a dreamy or musing state, they all fit within the overarching theme. Players may find that some words, like “ILLUSION,” speak more to the act of witnessing a magic trick rather than internal thoughts, adding an interesting twist to the puzzle.
The longer word “MAKEBELIEVE” serves as the spangram for today’s puzzle, with players needing to navigate the grid to uncover the remaining themed words. As players progress through the puzzle, they may find that some words are more straightforward to identify, while others require a bit more thought and exploration. Overall, the unique challenge of the Strands puzzle offers players an engaging and stimulating experience that tests their word-finding abilities and knowledge of diverse concepts.
For more Strands hints, answers, and updates, players can follow the official channels on Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram. Additionally, readers can delve into the world of sci-fi with the author’s Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy, offering more immersive storytelling experiences. As players continue to engage with the Strands puzzle on a daily basis, they can expect to encounter new challenges, themes, and hints that keep them entertained and engaged.
