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NYT Strands #661, for Wednesday, December 24, 2025, has a cozy theme: “Gather around.” If you want to solve it yourself, start with the gentle hints below; the full spangram and word list are farther down.
Hints for Strands #661
These hints move from a nudge toward the theme to the complete reveal. Stop when you have enough to continue.
Theme hint
“Gather around.”
Additional clue
“Drape some blankets over you and perhaps your nearest and dearest.”
Words to unlock in-game hints
Finding three valid non-theme words of at least four letters unlocks a hint that highlights a theme word, according to Forbes. TechRadar lists these words as possible finds: ATOM, GRASSY, WATCH, MOTH, MOST, and PLANT.
Spangram for December 24
Spoiler: The 10-letter spangram is SNUGASABUG (“SNUG AS A BUG”). TechRadar places its endpoints on the left side of the fourth row and the right side of the eighth row.
All Strands answers
Full spoilers: The seven other theme words are:
- COMFY
- COZY
- RELAXING
- PLEASANT
- WARM
- SOFT
- HOMEY
How Strands works
Forbes describes Strands as a daily word-search game played on a six-by-eight letter grid. Find words tied to the theme and a spangram that connects at least two sides of the board; letters can be linked horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The hint mechanic can help reveal a theme word after you find three qualifying non-theme words.
Quick Recap
Sources
- TechRadar: NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, December 24 (game #661)
- Forbes: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, Answers: Wednesday, December 24 (Gather Around)
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