Today’s theme, “around it goes,” leaned into things that wrap, cover or encircle—both wearable items and a food item that does the same. The constructor mixed straightforward garment words with one edible and one modern packaging term for a clever, varied set.

16 November NYT Strands Theme: “around it goes”

16 November NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of things that go around something — garments and coverings are a good starting point.
  • Look for both short accessory words and one longer, food-related entry (it’s not a garment).
  • The grid likes diagonals and reversed runs today; scan slanted lines carefully.
  • Expect one modern, slightly crunchy word (it’s more about packaging than cloth).
  • Spangram: THATS A WRAP — the spangram ties the list together around the wrap/cover idea.

16 November NYT Strands: Answers

  • scarf (a classic wrap-around accessory)
  • stole (a light, elegant wrap often worn over shoulders)
  • flatbread (the edible wrap — think handheld wraps and rolls)
  • cellophane (a modern transparent wrapping material)
  • shawl (a larger, drapey wrap for shoulders)

Spangram

THATS A WRAP

The spangram "THATS A WRAP" connects every answer by the idea of wrapping or covering — garments and coverings plus an edible wrap, making the theme literal and playful and clever.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
• You’re given a theme.
• The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
• Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
• Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

This puzzle had 5 theme words.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

Today’s puzzle played as a friendly, slightly brainy theme — accessible but rewarding if you scanned diagonals and thought beyond just clothing. How many did you find, and did the cellophane clue catch you by surprise?