The New York Times’ daily Strands puzzle for November 27, 2023, centers around the theme of gratitude. The puzzle requires identifying hidden words that connect to this theme, including a long “spangram” word that spans the entire grid.
Hints and Strategy
The core mechanic involves finding words with four or more letters to trigger in-game hints. Any valid word will work, so explore the grid for common terms like “MALE,” “DIAL,” “THEY,” or “HEAL.” Once three qualifying words are found, the game reveals a theme-related word.
Today’s Answers
The non-spangram answers for today’s puzzle are:
- FOOD
- LIFE
- FAMILY
- FRIENDS
- HEALTH
- WORK
- COMMUNITY
The spangram, which stretches across the grid, is THANKFUL. Begin at the letter “T” in the fifth row on the far-left side and trace the letters to complete the word.
Previous Difficult Puzzles
Some of the most challenging Strands puzzles from recent weeks include:
- Dated slang (Jan. 21) – The obscure vocabulary made this tough. The hardest word was “PHAT.”
- Thar she blows! (Jan. 15) – This nautical theme stumped many. The most difficult terms were “BALEEN” or “RIGHT.”
The Strands puzzle tests vocabulary and pattern recognition; consistent play helps sharpen these skills.
