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NYT Strands puzzle #665 for Sunday, December 28, 2025, has the theme “Load up on tissues.” Use the graduated clues below if you want help without seeing every answer; the full list appears after a spoiler warning.
Hints for Strands #665
Theme nudge
Think of the sounds and symptoms that might send someone reaching for a box of tissues. A gentle extra nudge: “Achoo!”
Word-start clues
The seven theme answers begin with H, S, C, D, S, W, and S. They range from a short cough-like sound to familiar cold symptoms.
Spangram placement
The 11-letter spangram starts at the top edge in column one and reaches the bottom edge in column six.
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Vodolo Updated Version Brainy Knots Game,Puzzle New Board Games 2025 Safe and Sturdy for Travel Party Activities Rope Challenge,2 Player Fun Educational Family Board Games,Rope Untangling Puzzle Game
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Full answers for NYT Strands #665
Spoiler warning: The complete answers are below.
- HACK
- SNEEZE
- COUGH
- DRIP
- SNIFFLE
- WHEEZE
- SNORT
Spangram: COLDSYMPTOM
How the hint system works
Strands is a daily New York Times word game: connect letters on the board to form words that fit the theme. The spangram summarizes the theme and crosses opposite sides of the board. Finding non-theme words can also unlock in-game hints. For this puzzle, reported hint-unlocking words include FORK, SAME, WHEY, CHAMP, PHASE, and SOCKS.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Answer check
Parade and TechRadar independently report the same theme, puzzle number, seven theme words, and spangram: Parade’s December 28 guide and TechRadar’s December 28 guide.
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