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This archived Strands puzzle is #260, dated Monday, November 18, 2024—not the live puzzle for today. Its theme clue is “Coming up for air.” If you want to solve it yourself, start with the hints below and stop before the spoiler section; the complete answers follow.
How to approach Strands #260
The puzzle’s clue points toward creatures that surface to breathe. Try finding a broad category first, then look for individual animals that fit it.
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Hint 1: Theme clue
“Coming up for air.”
Hint 2: Category nudge
Think sea-faring creatures—specifically, a group of mammals.
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The spangram names the category shared by the theme words. In the grid, it is written as one continuous word.
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How Strands works
Strands uses a six-by-eight letter grid. Trace adjacent letters to form words; paths can turn and move diagonally. Theme words are highlighted blue, while the spangram—the word that summarizes the theme and connects at least two sides of the board—is highlighted yellow. Each letter is used once across the theme words and spangram.
If you get stuck, find three valid non-theme words of four or more letters. That unlocks an in-game hint highlighting the letters of one theme word.
Spoilers: Strands #260 answers
Stop here if you still want to solve the puzzle without seeing the answers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The theme is marine mammals. The spangram is MARINEMAMMALS (Marine Mammals). Its six theme words are:
- DOLPHIN
- MANATEE
- NARWHAL
- ORCA
- SEAL
- WALRUS
Where to play Strands
Strands is available on the New York Times website and in the NYT Games app. The answers above are for the archived November 18, 2024 puzzle, #260.
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