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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe Tuesday, December 24, 2024, NYT Strands puzzle is #296. Its clue is “Who on earth …?” and its theme is nature-related names. The spangram is NATURENAMES; the six theme words are BROOK, CLEMENTINE, HOLLY, LAUREL, RIVER, and WILLOW.
NYT Strands answers for December 24, 2024
This is the 2024 edition of the December 24 puzzle, identified by answer guides as Strands #296. The theme clue is “Who on earth …?”
| Puzzle entry | Answer |
|---|---|
| Spangram | NATURENAMES |
| Theme word | BROOK |
| Theme word | CLEMENTINE |
| Theme word | HOLLY |
| Theme word | LAUREL |
| Theme word | RIVER |
| Theme word | WILLOW |
What the clue means
The clue points to names drawn from nature. The six theme answers are BROOK, CLEMENTINE, HOLLY, LAUREL, RIVER, and WILLOW; together, they fit the spangram NATURENAMES.
How Strands hints work
In the New York Times gameplay instructions reproduced by Parade, players find theme words by dragging or tapping letters, and those words fill the board without overlapping. The instructions say: “The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.”
#1 Best Overall
Finding three non-theme words earns a hint that reveals letters of a theme word. That can help if you want to uncover the answers yourself rather than use the complete list above.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources for this answer list
Parade, Forbes, and Try Hard Guides identify the puzzle as #296 and agree on the spangram and six theme words.
