Today’s NYT Strands puzzle presents a challenging grid with long answers and a hidden theme that ties the whole board together. The theme for this session is hinted by the clue “Do go on…,” signaling players to look for longer, connecting words as they work through the puzzle.
How the game works
Players hunt for hidden words that fit the puzzle’s overarching theme. A key mechanic is revealed once you’ve found three words of four letters or more; the game then opens up one of the theme words. The page suggests a broad set of example words that players can use to unlock these hints, including SOLE, TOLE, VERB, HATTER, GREY, STAVE, CHAT, HATE, VEIL, LATS, SALE, LIVE, CAUL, and QUOTE. These four-letter-plus words aren’t the final answers themselves but enable progress toward the central theme.
Answers for today
The non-spangram answers tying into the day’s theme are GABBY, VERBOSE, VOLUBLE, TALKATIVE, and LOQUACIOUS. The spangram for today is CHATTERBOX, which completes the board by connecting letters across the grid. To find the spangram, the clue describes tracing a C two rows to the right and then five letters down in that row, effectively winding around the board to form the long theme word.
Toughest Strands puzzles in recent weeks
For solvers seeking the extra challenge, several Strands topics have stood out:
– #1: Dated slang, Jan. 21. Toughest word: PHAT.
– #2: Thar she blows! Jan. 15. A marine biology angle makes this one tricky; toughest word options include BALEEN or RIGHT.
– #3: Off the hook, Jan. 9. A sea-creature heavy puzzle; toughest words include BIGEYE or SKIPJACK.
What to try if you’re working today
– Build a small word bank of four-letter-plus words that could plausibly appear in a Strands grid and see which connect to the current theme.
– Focus on potential synonyms for talkativeness and communication, since the non-spangram set includes many verbose terms (and the spangram CHATTERBOX reinforces that idea).
– Don’t be discouraged by the long answers; the payout comes when the theme word finally clicks and the grid uses every letter.
Takeaway and outlook
Today’s Strands puzzle rewards persistence and pattern recognition. The mix of long, varied words and a central spangram provides both a mental workout and a satisfying aha moment when the final theme word emerges. Puzzle fans who enjoy connecting clue words to reveal a larger message will likely find this edition particularly engaging, with a satisfying sense of accomplishment once CHATTERBOX is unveiled.
A hopeful note for solvers
Even with the toughest grids, the approach of collecting four-letter-plus words and letting the theme reveal itself offers a clear path forward. With patience and methodical word spotting, the full board and its hidden connections become clearer, making the Strands experience both challenging and rewarding.