Are you ready to chill out with today's brain-teaser? NYT Strands, the word-search game with a twist, is here to challenge you on December 23, 2025! But don't worry, we've got your back with some cool hints.
For those unfamiliar, Strands is not your average word search. It's an innovative game where words are formed from connected letters in any direction, even changing course mid-word! And the real challenge? Every letter in the grid is part of the puzzle. Each day brings a new theme, and the 'spangram' is the star—a word or phrase that encapsulates the theme and spans the grid.
But here's the twist: Strands doesn't give you a word list, and its hints are enigmatic. This makes it more time-consuming than its cousins, Wordle and Connections. So, if you're short on time or feeling stumped, we've got the inside scoop!
Today's theme hint: B-r-r-r-r! Brrr, indeed! The words are all about temperature, but with a wintry twist.
And now, the big reveal:
Theme Explanation: These words are perfect for describing a cold winter's day, a chilly breeze, or a frosty adventure.
Spangram Hint: Is it a vertical chiller or a horizontal freeze? The orientation of today's spangram is a crucial clue.
Spangram Answer: Vertical is the way to go! Imagine it written in icy letters.
Word List:
- Chilly
- Polar
- Cold
- Glacial
- Not So Hot
- Freezing
- Frigid
- Cool
If you're a puzzle enthusiast, Mashable's Games page has more treats for you. And for a broader selection of games, including Mahjong and Sudoku, head to Mashable's Games hub. Don't forget, if you need a hint for a different date, we've got you covered with our archive of past solutions.
Controversy Alert: Some might argue that Strands is too tricky for a casual game. What's your take? Do you prefer your word games straightforward, or do you enjoy the added challenge of Strands? Share your thoughts below!
