The New York Times Strands puzzle for January 21, 2024, centers around impolite behaviors. The puzzle requires players to identify hidden theme words within a grid of letters, including a “spangram”—a theme word that spans the entire puzzle.
Finding the Theme
The puzzle’s overall theme is “That’s not very polite,” or more directly, rude actions. This can be narrowed down further to “bad behavior,” making it easier to target potential answers.
Unlocking Hints
Strands reveals theme words once players identify three or more four-letter words. Useful clue words from today’s puzzle include:
- BATE, RATE, PATE, SATE, GATE
- LOAD, GOLD, RATS, STAR
- RUIN, RUINED, PURR, SEAT
These words help unlock additional hints within the game. The key is to find any valid words to trigger the reveal system.
Today’s Solutions
The non-spangram answers for today’s puzzle are:
- BURP
- GLOAT
- STARE
- POINT
- SHOUT
- TEASE
- INTERRUPT
The spangram, stretching across the board, is DONTBERUDE. It starts with the “D” in the top row, three letters from the left, and winds downward.
Strategic Tips
Players can improve their Strands gameplay by:
- Expanding existing words: Adding letters like “S” to already discovered words can reveal new options.
- Looking for related terms: Once one theme word is found, scan for similar concepts within the grid.
- Forcing hints: Finding three additional clue words will automatically illuminate the letters of any remaining theme words, making them easier to decipher.
Strands challenges players to combine letter recognition with theme awareness. The puzzle’s mechanics encourage both methodical scanning and creative wordplay.
