The popular word puzzle Strands from The New York Times presented a fresh and engaging challenge for players on December 20, 2025. This daily game tasks enthusiasts with scanning a letter grid to find words that are all connected by a secret, unifying theme. For those finding the puzzle a bit too tricky, a full solution guide is now available.
Today's Strands Theme: A Sharp Focus on Cutting
The central theme for the December 20 edition was revealed to be "Cutting corners." This clever phrase directed solvers to look for words associated with the act of cutting, trimming, or shaping various materials. The theme draws from everyday vocabulary used in contexts like cooking, crafting, or general tasks where objects are reduced or reshaped.
Identifying this theme early is a key strategy, as it immediately narrows down the type of words players should be searching for in the jumble of letters. Once the concept clicks, the puzzle often feels significantly less daunting.
Guiding Hints for the Puzzle Grid
For players who preferred a nudge rather than the full solution, strategic hints were offered. The guidance suggested thinking about different verbs that describe removing material. Solvers were advised to start by hunting for shorter words first, as these can unlock progress and make spotting longer terms easier.
The hints also pointed players towards considering terminology commonly used in kitchens, workshops, or daily conversations whenever cutting or trimming is discussed. These clues were designed to steer thinking in the right direction without spoiling the satisfying 'aha!' moment of discovery.
Complete List of Answers and the Spangram
All the theme words hidden within the December 20 grid were directly related to the "Cutting corners" concept. The correct answers players needed to find were:
- CHOP
- TRIM
- HEW
- SHEAR
- SLASH
Finding these words helps clear the board and highlights the remaining letters, which ultimately form the puzzle's most important element: the spangram.
The spangram for today's challenge was CUTTINGCORNERS. This is the key phrase that stretches from one side of the puzzle grid to the other, literally connecting the board and tying all the smaller theme words together conceptually. Successfully identifying the spangram is the final step to completing the Strands puzzle.
Pro Tips for Mastering NYT Strands
Regular players looking to sharpen their Strands-solving skills can employ a few effective strategies. Experts recommend beginning each puzzle with a quick scan for obvious, short words that might relate to the hinted theme. Paying close attention to clusters of unused letters can also provide vital clues about where longer words or the spangram might be hiding.
It's often more rewarding to resist using hints immediately; the challenge of piecing together the thematic pattern is a core part of the game's appeal. With consistent practice, recognizing common themes and the shapes of words within the grid becomes much more intuitive, turning a tricky puzzle into a fun daily brain exercise.
