Today's NYT Games Strands puzzle (#309, January 6, 2025) challenges players to decipher a theme from the clue "In Neutral" and uncover seven related words hidden within a letter grid. This article provides assistance, ranging from general hints to the complete solution.
Clues and Hints:
Need a helping hand? Three spoiler-free hints guide you toward the puzzle's theme:
Hint 1: Consider items often described as neutral.
Hint 2: Think about colors.
Hint 3: Focus on subtle, nearly-white colors.
Partial Solutions (Spoilers):
Prefer a little more direction without revealing the entire solution? Here are two individual word spoilers:
Word 1: Cream
Word 2: Eggshell
Complete Solution:
Ready for the answer? The solution is revealed below:
The theme is "Off-White." The seven words are: Eggshell, Vanilla, Cream, Linen, Ivory, Champagne, and a pangram.
Theme Explanation:
Still puzzled? Here's a breakdown of the theme:
Off-whites are colors very close to white but with a subtle tint of another color. These shades are considered neutrals, aligning with the puzzle's clue. The themed words represent various off-white hues.
Enjoy the puzzle! Play Strands on the New York Times Games website.