Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe December 28, 2024, NYT Strands puzzle is #300, not #299. Its theme is “Just the essentials,” its spangram is AROMATHERAPY, and the theme words are CEDARWOOD, EUCALYPTUS, LAVENDER and PATCHOULI.
December 28 Strands answers
Parade identifies the December 28 puzzle as #300 and lists the following solution. Try Hard Guides also labels the date #300 and lists the same answers.
- Theme: Just the essentials
- Spangram: AROMATHERAPY
- Theme words: CEDARWOOD, EUCALYPTUS, LAVENDER, PATCHOULI
The theme points to scents or aromas associated with relaxation, according to Parade. The guide describes the spangram as running horizontally; that is its listed orientation, not a claim about a particular solve path.
Why the title’s puzzle number is wrong
The date and puzzle number in the supplied title do not match. December 28, 2024, is #300. Puzzle #299 is Friday, December 27, 2024, according to TechRadar’s result and a puzzle archive. TechRadar’s result gives #299 the hint “The synth pop decade,” and the archive lists its spangram as EIGHTIES. The full set of #299 theme words is not established by those listings, so it is not included here.
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How the Strands hints work
The NYT instructions reproduced by Parade say, “Find theme words to fill the board.” Theme words remain blue when found. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. Finding three non-theme words earns one hint, which reveals letters from a theme word.
For this puzzle, AROMATHERAPY is the spangram; it is distinct from the four theme words listed above. If you want to solve without seeing the word list, use the theme and the hint mechanic before reading the answers.
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