CNET, known for publishing daily solutions to the New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, and Strands puzzles, has released the complete answer list for today’s Strands game.
Strands is a word‑search‑style puzzle that does not provide a word list; solvers must locate words of four letters or more, and every three such words trigger the reveal of a themed answer. The puzzle’s theme for today is “Shiver me timbers!” – a nod to pirate lore and the holiday International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
To unlock the hidden theme words, CNET suggests using any four‑letter (or longer) words such as “STOAT,” “PEER,” “STALE,” “MOAT,” “PEAK,” “TOME,” “RATS,” and “RATE.” Each set of three triggers a hint.
The non‑spangram answers identified by CNET are: ARRR, AVAST, MATEY, SAVVY, YOHOHO, and HEARTIES. The spangram – a theme word that stretches across the grid – is also provided in the article.
By publishing these solutions, CNET aims to help puzzlers who are stuck and to showcase the mechanics of Strands for new players, reinforcing its role as a go‑to source for New York Times puzzle enthusiasts.
The article also notes that while the puzzle can be solved by finding any qualifying words, unscrambling the revealed answers can be challenging, underscoring the value of the provided hints.