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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For NYT Strands puzzle #260, dated November 18, 2024, the theme is “Pick-ups.” If you need one more nudge, think “Dining essentials.” The answer key is below the spoiler warning.
Hints for Strands #260
- Theme: Pick-ups
- Additional clue: Dining essentials
Try finding the words that fit those clues before revealing the spangram and answers.
Spoiler warning: answers below
Spangram
UTENSILS
Theme words
- SPOON
- SKEWER
- FORK
- SPORK
- CHOPSTICKS
- TONGS
- KNIFE
The guide’s first-two-letter nudges, in its stated grid-order convention, are SP, SK, FO, SP, UT, CH, TO, and KN.
How Strands hints work
Strands is a word-search-style puzzle played on a six-by-eight letter grid. Find words connected by the theme; letters can connect horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and a word’s path can change direction. Theme words turn blue, while the spangram turns yellow.
According to the guide, finding three valid non-theme words of at least four letters unlocks a hint that highlights letters in a theme word.
Which November 18 puzzle is this?
This answer key is for puzzle #260, dated November 18, 2024. It is not for the November 18, 2025 puzzle #625, which is a different daily board.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Source
The answer set and game details are attributed to Kris Holt’s Forbes guide to NYT Strands for November 18, 2024. The archived board was not independently verified against an official NYT source.
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