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November 25’s puzzle focused on words representing peaks, heights, and ultimate points.
Identifying shorter, familiar words first helped reveal longer, trickier entries and the spangram.
Using the theme as a guide made connecting abstract or less common terms much easier.
NYT Strands is still presenting challenges to word puzzle lovers with its creative themes and clever grids. Today’s puzzle, themed “Tip Top,” is centered on the terms that denote the highest points, peaks, or limits. The participants have to locate these words placed all over the board, which also includes a spangram that covers the entire width of the board from one end to the other.
The NYT Strands theme revolves around the notions of altitude, superiority, and being right at the top. Each word represents a peak or the ultimate point in a range, from mountains to abstract measures of achievement. Today's spangram will combine the ideas, showcasing the overall theme of reaching the highest level.
Here are hints for each word, including starting letters and word lengths:
HE - 6 letters: The vertical measure from base to top.
PE - 4 letters: The very highest point of a mountain.
AP - 4 letters: Another term for the utmost point or tip.
SU - 6 letters: Often used to describe a mountain summit.
AC - 4 letters: A word frequently seen in cartoons.
ZE - 5 letters: The highest point of something.
PI - 8 letters: A metaphor to describe the highest point.
The grid contains the following words that fit today’s “Tip Top” theme:
HEIGHT
PEAK
APEX
SUMMIT
ACME
ZENITH
PINNACLE
UPPER LIMIT
The spangram goes from one end of the grid to the other, joining the concepts of maximum height and absolute limits. It supports today’s theme by enclosing all the words that mean reaching the topmost level.
Look in all corners and edges, as spangrams often run along the sides.
Use the theme as a guide; it helps narrow down possibilities for trickier words.
Shorter, more familiar words can lead directly to longer, less obvious entries.
Pay attention to letter overlaps to spot connections between words and the spangram.
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle presents a delightful challenge with top-themed words. Engaging with such puzzles increases one's vocabulary, pattern recognition, and logic skills, so every day becomes an opportunity to have fun with words and, at the same time, exercise the brain.
