Strands presents a new challenge: unscramble letters within a grid to uncover seven themed words. The clue, "In Neutral," unlocks the theme. This article provides assistance, ranging from general hints to the complete solution.
NYT Games Strands Puzzle #309 (January 6, 2025)
The puzzle features the clue "In Neutral," requiring the discovery of seven words, including a pangram and six themed words.
New York Times Games Strands Clues
Need help without spoilers? These three hints offer guidance toward the puzzle's theme:
General Hint 1
Hint 1: Consider items that exist in neutral variations.
General Hint 2
Hint 2: Think about colors.
General Hint 3
Hint 3: Focus on a subtle color often categorized as neutral.
Spoilers for Two Words
These sections offer individual word spoilers:
Spoiler 1
Word 1: Cream
Spoiler 2
Word 2: Eggshell
The Answer to Today's New York Times Games Strands
The complete solution is revealed below:
The theme is "Off-White." The words are Eggshell, Vanilla, Cream, Linen, Ivory, and Champagne.

Explanation
Still puzzled? Here's a breakdown:
Off-whites are colors nearly white but with subtle tints. These tints introduce other colors, making them considered neutrals. Each themed word represents a different off-white shade.
Play Strands on the New York Times Games website, accessible on most devices with a browser.