The New York Times: Clues and Solutions Unveiled (08/01/25)

Strands #311: Kitchen Remodel Puzzle - Solutions and Hints

Strands presents a challenging word puzzle where you decipher a theme and locate themed words within a letter grid using a single clue. Today's puzzle, with its cryptic hint, proves particularly tricky. This article provides varying levels of assistance, from subtle hints to complete solutions.

The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #311 (January 8, 2025)

The clue: "Time for an Upgrade". Six words need to be found: five themed words and a pangram.

Hints (Spoiler-Free)

These hints offer clues without revealing specific words:

General Hint 1

Hint 1: Home improvement project focusing on a specific room.

General Hint 2

Hint 2: Refurbishment of the food preparation area.

General Hint 3

Hint 3: Components within the food preparation area that are commonly upgraded.

Partial Spoilers (One Word at a Time)

These sections reveal one word and its location in the puzzle:

Spoiler 1

Word 1: Backsplash

Spoiler 2

Word 2: Oven

Complete Solution

This section provides the complete solution:

Theme: Kitchen Remodel. The words are: Oven, Island, Sink, Backsplash, and Countertop.

Solution Explanation

"Time for an Upgrade" fits perfectly as all these items are commonly replaced during a kitchen remodel. Each word represents a kitchen element that contributes to a refreshed kitchen space.

Play Strands!

Enjoy this challenging puzzle game on the New York Times Games Strands website, accessible on most devices with a browser.