Struggling with today’s NYT Strands puzzle? You’re not alone! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, sometimes even the most clever minds need a little nudge. And today’s puzzle, game #692 from January 24, is no exception. But here’s where it gets tricky—the theme is 'A work of art', and if you’re not an art enthusiast, you might find yourself scratching your head. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered with hints, answers, and a step-by-step breakdown to guide you through.
Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you’re looking for just a nudge, we’ll start with some gentle hints. But if you’re ready to dive in, we’ll reveal the full solution. Let’s get started!
Today’s Hints
The theme is 'A work of art', and here’s a subtle clue from us: 'Think well-known masterpieces.' Still stumped? Here are some key words to help you unlock those clue tokens:
- FINE
- LISTING
- ANISE
- SETTERS
- PARTS
- FARM
- TILES
- LINES
And this is the part most people miss: the spangram—the word that spans two opposite sides of the board—starts with 'F' and ends with 'G'. It’s a crucial hint to connect all the answers. Ready for the big reveal? Scroll down…
Today’s Spangram: FAMOUSPAINTING
Today’s Answers
So, what are the answers for game #692? Here they are, in all their glory:
- NIGHT
- STARRY
- WATER
- LILIES
- PARTY
- BOATING
And yes, the spangram is FAMOUSPAINTING. But how do these words connect? Let’s break it down.
How It All Fits Together
As someone who’s not particularly into art galleries, I found this puzzle challenging but rewarding. Early on, I spotted 'PAINTING' in the top-right corner but couldn’t figure out how it tied into the spangram. Instead, I focused on finding random words, starting with NIGHT in the bottom-left corner. That’s when it clicked—STARRY connected to NIGHT, forming 'Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh. From there, I saw how FAMOUSPAINTING looped around the top of the board.
Next, I found WATER and immediately thought of LILIES, referencing Claude Monet’s 'Water Lilies'. With just two words left, I spotted BOATING in the bottom-right corner and PARTY to its left, which could refer to works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir or Mary Cassatt. Puzzle complete!
Yesterday’s Answers (Game #691)
If you’re catching up, here are the answers for game #691, themed 'None the wiser':
- NAIVE
- CALLOW
- GULLIBLE
- ARTLESS
- CREDULOUS
The spangram? BORNYESTERDAY. This one was a bit tougher, but clues revealed NAIVE and CALLOW in the top-right corner, both synonyms for GULLIBLE. ARTLESS followed in the bottom-left, leaving space for the spangram at the bottom. Finally, CREDULOUS completed the puzzle.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an art aficionado or a word-finding wizard, today’s Strands puzzle offers a unique challenge. But here’s a controversial take: Does relying on art knowledge make this puzzle unfair for non-art lovers? Or is it a clever way to blend different areas of expertise? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering everything from phones to drones. Formerly Deputy Editor at Alphr, his work appears across the web and in magazines. When he’s not reviewing the latest gadgets, he’s likely tackling his ever-growing gaming backlog. He also handles Wordle coverage for Tom’s Guide, keeping his streak alive one puzzle at a time.
