NYT Strands Puzzle - December 31, 2023 (Game 668)
December 31, 2025
Looking for a different day's puzzle? The New York Times releases a new Strands puzzle at midnight in your time zone, meaning some players see today's game while others are still playing yesterday's. If you're seeking Wednesday's puzzle, find it here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, December 31.
Strands is the NYT's latest word game, following popular titles like Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Connections. It's engaging and challenging, so here are some helpful hints to assist you.
Warning: Spoilers for today's NYT Strands (Game #669) are below. Don't scroll further if you prefer to solve the puzzle on your own.
Today's NYT Strands (Game #669) - Hint #1: What's the Theme?
Theme of today’s puzzle:
Not your average Joe
Hint #2: Clue Words
Playing any of these words will unlock in-game hints:
LAMEMALE, CAVES, OOTY, BITE, LOVE, NY
Hint #3: Spangram Letters
How many letters are in today's spangram?
Six letters
Hint #4: Spangram Position
Which sides of the board does the spangram touch?
- Left side: 5th row
- Right side: 4th row
(Note: The answers are revealed below—avoid scrolling if you want the puzzle to remain a surprise.)
The Answers for Today’s Puzzle
Solution words:
- BOLD
- STRONG
- AROMATIC
- SMOOTH
- NUTTY
- BITTER
- VELVETY
Spangram: COFFEE
(My rating: Hard — My score: Perfect)
I initially thought the puzzle's theme might relate to famous Joes, but it was all about COFFEE! The spangram's short length caught me off guard—a one-word snake at the end of 2025 is quite rare. Finding NUTTY and BITTER took some effort, but I enjoyed the challenge.
Yesterday's NYT Strands Answers (Wednesday, December 31, 2023, Game #668)
Clue words:
SPIN, WIRL, CIRCLE, ORBIT, PIROUETTE, ROTATE
Spangram: ROUNDANDROUND
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT's evolving word game, stepping into a space alongside Wordle and Connections. Available on both desktop and mobile through the NYT Games site, it's been part of their lineup for over a year.
For those seeking assistance, I have a comprehensive guide with tips to help you solve the daily puzzles—check it out when you're stuck!
About the Author:
Johnny brings years of experience as a pop culture journalist, covering internet trends, music, football, and famous personalities. Once known as the Pop Detective, he's interviewed Elton John and Blur, among others. Living in North London, Johnny enjoys cycling and shouting at pigeons — a simple pleasure of his vibrant and varied career.