The popular word game from The New York Times, Strands, has unveiled its latest challenge for Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This puzzle, officially numbered #674, is now live and ready to test the vocabulary and pattern recognition skills of players worldwide. Strands is a relatively new addition to the NYT's suite of games, cleverly merging the classic word search format with thematic problem-solving.
Understanding the 'Look Up!' Theme of Strands #674
The core concept guiding today's puzzle is the theme: "Look up!". This directive is a clear hint for players to direct their attention skyward. The answers are all connected to objects or entities typically found above ground level, occupying the air or sky. Once a player deciphers this thematic clue, it significantly narrows down the type of words they need to hunt for within the letter grid.
The puzzle requires finding several theme-based words and one crucial spangram. Words can be formed in any direction—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—and can even bend. However, each letter can only be used once per word. This design demands both patience and a sharp eye for spotting patterns among the jumble of letters.
Complete Solution for NYT Strands Puzzle #674
For those who have solved the puzzle or simply want to verify their answers, here is the full list of correct theme words for January 6, 2026:
- BALLOON
- BIRD
- KITE
- DRONE
- AIRPLANE
- ROCKET
As evident, the answers present a fascinating mix, ranging from simple childhood toys and living creatures to advanced modern technology. What unites them all is their ability to fly, float, or ascend, embodying the spirit of the theme.
The Key Spangram: DEFYINGGRAVITY
The most important element in any Strands puzzle is the spangram. This is a longer word or phrase that must span and connect two opposite sides of the game board, effectively tying the entire puzzle's concept together.
For today's edition, Strands #674, the spangram is: DEFYINGGRAVITY. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the 'Look up!' theme, summarizing the common thread among all the answers—their defiance of the earth's gravitational pull to rise into the air.
Finding the spangram often becomes easier once a majority of the theme words have been uncovered, as the remaining letters and the overarching concept start to point clearly towards it.
Useful Hints and Gameplay Strategy
If you find yourself stuck early in the puzzle, a proven strategy is to input valid non-theme words. This action helps unlock hints within the game. For today's grid, players have found that typing words like NOON, GANG, BANGLE, BRAIL, KINK, BANKER, TRAP, and NECK can be helpful. Entering enough of such words triggers the game's hint system, which highlights letters belonging to one of the theme answers, giving you a nudge in the right direction.
The ultimate goal remains to uncover all the theme words and, finally, identify the spangram that binds them. With its blend of simple rules and complex solving, Strands continues to engage puzzle enthusiasts daily, offering a fresh mental workout alongside other NYT games.
