NYT Releases Cryptic Clues for Jan. 15 Puzzle

Solve today's NYT Strands puzzle, #318 (January 15, 2025), with this helpful guide! This daily word puzzle challenges you to identify eight themed words within a letter grid, using a single clue. If you're stuck, this article offers hints, partial solutions, and the complete answer if needed.

The clue for today's puzzle is "Thar She Blows!"

The puzzle grid contains the Spangram and eight themed words.

Need a hint? These spoiler-free clues point towards the puzzle's theme:

General Hint 1

Ocean inhabitants.

General Hint 2

Animals known for their explosive behavior.

General Hint 3

Large marine mammals.

Still stuck? Here are partial spoilers, including word placement within the grid:

Spoiler 1

Word 1: Right

Spoiler 2

Word 2: Humpback

Ready for the full solution? Be warned: this reveals all themed words and their positions.

The theme is Whales. The words are Beluga, Humpback, Baleen, Gray, Right, Blue, and Sperm.

Puzzle Explanation:

"Thar She Blows!" is a classic phrase associated with whale sightings, referencing their spouts. Each themed word represents a different whale species.

Enjoy the puzzle! Play Strands on the New York Times Games website.