Today’s NYT Strands hints, spangram, and answers for Thursday, January 23, are here! Let’s dive right in.
How To Play Strands
The New York Times’ Strands puzzle is a fresh take on the classic word search. It’s available on the NYT website and the NYT Games app alongside other popular games like Wordle and Connections (which we also cover in daily guides).
Here’s how Strands works:
- Every day, a new game presents a six by eight grid of letters.
- The goal is to find a group of theme words that share something in common, based on a clue provided.
- When you identify a theme word, it will stay highlighted in blue.
The Spangram
- You’ll also need to find a special word called the spangram. This word ties together the theme words.
- The spangram links at least two sides of the board but doesn’t necessarily start or end there.
- Unlike the theme words (which are not proper names), the spangram can be a proper name. Once identified, it will stay highlighted in yellow.
Gameplay Tips
- Every letter is used exactly once in the theme words and the spangram.
- Words can be formed by connecting letters vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, with direction changes allowed mid-word.
- On a touchscreen device, double-tap the final letter to confirm your guess.
Unlocking Hints
- If you find three valid words of at least four letters that aren’t part of the theme, you’ll unlock the Hint button.
- Clicking Hint will reveal the letters for one of the theme words.
Keep in mind that difficulty varies daily. Sometimes you’ll complete phrases, while other puzzles might involve synonyms, homophones, or unexpected twists to keep you guessing!
What Is Today’s Strands Hint?
Scroll slowly if you’re avoiding spoilers! Below is today’s official theme hint for Strands:
Udderly delicious
Still need help? Here’s an extra clue:
Have a cow, man.
There are seven theme words to uncover today, including the spangram.
What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?
Spoiler alert! Don’t read further if you’re not ready to see the hints.
Here are the first two letters of every theme word in today’s puzzle (ordered from left to right, top to bottom, by any letter appearing for the first time):
- GE
- DA
- MI
- CH
- YO
- BU
- CU
What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers?
Last warning: spoilers ahead!
Today’s Strands spangram is:
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Here’s the list of today’s theme words:
- GELATO
- MILK
- CHEESE
- YOGURT
- BUTTER
- CUSTARD
Puzzle Commentary
Today’s Strands puzzle was relatively straightforward. The theme clue, “Udderly delicious,” pointed directly to dairy-related products. The spangram, DAIRY PRODUCTS, was the first word I found, and everything else fell into place with ease. No hints were needed, making it a satisfying yet simple solve.
That’s all for today’s NYT Strands puzzle! Be sure to check back tomorrow for more hints and answers.
