The December 4 Strands puzzle delivered another fun challenge from the New York Times’ daily word-find game. With today’s theme, In the Driver’s Seat, the puzzle packed in words that describe confidence, command, and presence — plus a spangram that tied everything together with flair.

4 December 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “In the Driver’s Seat”

This theme revolved around qualities of leadership and self-assurance. The grid nudged solvers toward personality traits rather than literal driving. While the vocabulary wasn’t obscure, the puzzle played cleverly with near-synonyms and overlapping meanings, making each discovery feel intentional and satisfying.

4 December 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of traits someone shows when taking control of a situation.
  • Look for words that describe confidence, poise, and presence.
  • The grid tends to bunch similar descriptors close together — scan clusters.
  • Expect both short and longer adjectives that express inner steadiness.
  • Spangram ties the idea together with a phrase that signals total command.

4 December 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • secure
  • cool
  • confident
  • bold
  • assured
  • assertive

Spangram

LIKE A BOSS
This spangram wrapped the puzzle’s theme perfectly, capturing the sense of authority, ease, and command that unites all the day’s words across the grid.

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!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 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 Strands played on the easier side, but the cluster of similar adjectives made it delightfully thematic. A satisfying spangram brought everything together smoothly. How many did you spot before checking the list?