Are you on the hunt for the most up-to-date solution to today’s Strands puzzle? You’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find our comprehensive daily collection of Strands hints designed to guide you toward solving even the most elusive challenges. In addition to these, we also provide meticulously curated daily solutions and clue compilations for other beloved New York Times puzzles, including the Mini Crossword, Wordle, the original Connections game, and the specialized Connections: Sports Edition. This collection ensures that every puzzle enthusiast, from the casual word lover to the habitual solver, has access to all the mental stimulation they crave in one convenient place.
As for today’s New York Times Strands puzzle, you may find that it strikes a balance between accessibility and intrigue. Once you successfully identify one or two key words within the grid, the remaining answers often fall naturally into place. The puzzle’s structure makes its solutions fairly intuitive to decipher; however, should you prefer a bit of extra assistance—whether in the form of subtle hints or direct answers—you’ll find everything you need by reading on. For a deeper understanding of how Strands operates, the underlying strategies, and a complete breakdown of its rules, I’ve provided a detailed exploration in a separate article dedicated exclusively to explaining the game’s mechanics and objectives.
If your interests extend beyond Strands, and you’re also searching for today’s answers to Wordle, Connections, or the Mini Crossword, you can conveniently access all of them through CNET’s hub for NYT puzzle hints. This serves as a centralized resource that allows you to smoothly transition from one puzzle to another without missing a single update.
For further reading and a broader look at the puzzle phenomenon, I also recommend checking out our related feature: *NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far.* It revisits some of the most challenging and memorable brainteasers from the past year, offering insight into how the game has evolved while celebrating its most difficult—and entertaining—moments.
Now, moving on to today’s Strands puzzle specifics. The theme you’ll be working with today is intriguingly titled *Load up on tissues*. If that title alone doesn’t immediately guide your thinking, here’s an additional playful nudge to help steer you in the right direction: *Achoo!* This lighthearted hint should remind you of what’s commonly associated with sneezing—perhaps prompting you to think along lines related to colds, allergies, or other sniffle-inducing conditions.
To access in-game hints while solving Strands, you’ll need to uncover specific words within the grid that relate directly to the puzzle’s theme. Your primary objective is to identify all the hidden words that align with that central concept. When you find yourself momentarily puzzled or unable to progress, focus on discovering any words you can spot—especially those containing four or more letters. Each time you successfully locate three such words, the game will graciously reveal one of the main theme words to help guide your progress. Below are examples of words I personally used to unlock these bonus hints, though any collection of four-letter words you find will achieve the same effect: SOLD, TOLD, FINS, SINS, NEED, HEMP, DOTE, DOTES, CHEW, NEEDS, COLD, and COLDS.
Once you’ve navigated the grid and identified these helper words, you’ll be ready to unearth the actual theme-based answers. Today’s Strands puzzle revolves around identifying terms that collectively express the idea connected to the theme *Load up on tissues.* The goal is to find every word that perfectly fits this category, culminating in the discovery of the spangram—a special word or phrase that stretches continuously from one side of the grid to the other. Notably, while I previously assumed that every Strands puzzle contained exactly eight answers, I later learned that the total number may vary depending on the day’s design. Nevertheless, completing the puzzle correctly will ensure that every single letter on the grid is used. For today, the non-spangram answers are as follows: DRIP, HACK, COUGH, SNEEZE, WHEEZE, SNORT, and SNIFFLE. Each term vividly corresponds with symptoms or sounds commonly associated with a cold—perfectly in keeping with the tissue-related theme.
As for today’s elusive spangram, the Strands board dated December 28, 2025, designates it as *COLDSYMPTOM.* This multifaceted word neatly unifies the rest of the answers, encapsulating the entire concept behind the day’s puzzle. To locate it visually, begin with the letter *C* situated on the far-left side of the top row and trace your path downward through the grid, connecting the sequence until the full phrase emerges. Once complete, you’ll see how elegantly the spangram ties every clue and word together, forming a harmonious representation of the day’s thematic concept.
For those who appreciate unbiased insights, expert recommendations, and in-depth analyses beyond puzzles, remember that CNET offers extensive technology coverage and rigorous, lab-based reviews across fields from consumer gadgets to digital trends. To stay fully connected with our trusted reporting and never miss valuable updates, consider adding CNET as a preferred source on Google. This way, you’ll always be among the first to access well-researched content, daily puzzle hints, and timely tech guidance—all conveniently delivered to your digital doorstep.
Sourse: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-nyt-strands-hints-answers-and-help-for-dec-28-665/#ftag=CAD590a51e
