Strands Hint Nov. 20: Today’s NYT Puzzle Hints, Theme and All Answers Explained

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle for Nov. 20 comes with a playful theme and a tricky set of hidden words. The main keyword, “Strands hint Nov. 20,” appears early to help readers searching for the latest puzzle guidance. Many players struggled with several scrambled answers, so the full hints and solutions are included below.

The Nov. 20 Strands puzzle centers on a theme tied to gossip and chatter, drawing inspiration from classic pop-culture references. The New York Times confirmed the theme through the puzzle release, and players immediately recognized it as one of the more entertaining boards this month.

Strands Hint Nov. 20: Full Breakdown of Today’s Theme and Answers

Today’s puzzle theme is “Busybody buzz,” which signals words connected to rumors, chatter, and overheard conversations. NYT Strands puzzles often use cultural references to build word-association themes, and this one leans into the idea of nosy neighbors and word-of-mouth news. Outlets such as CNET highlighted that the clues evoke characters like Gladys Kravitz from the classic sitcom *Bewitched*, giving fans a nostalgic twist.

To unlock in-game hints, players must find any three valid words of four letters or more. Several example words worked today, including DATE, PORT, HEAR, CUTS and more. After enough words are uncovered, theme words begin to appear automatically.

The non-spangram theme answers for the Nov. 20 puzzle are:

• GOSSIP

• SCUTTLEBUTT

• RUMOR

• REPORT

• HEARSAY

The spangram for the Nov. 20 Strands puzzle is **SPREADTHEWORD**. This word stretches across the board, weaving from the right side upward and back, touching multiple diagonal paths. Spangrams are usually the hardest part of the puzzle because they connect opposite ends of the grid.

Players have noted that this puzzle stands out because it blends modern vocabulary with old-fashioned expressions for gossip. Outlets such as AP and BBC News often document the growing popularity of NYT puzzles, noting how themes tied to nostalgia, humor or pop culture tend to generate higher engagement.

How Today’s Strands Puzzle Compares to Recent Challenges

Recent Strands puzzles have ranged from simple vocabulary challenges to themed boards requiring knowledge of marine biology, slang, or entertainment history. The Nov. 20 theme lands in the middle—fun, recognizable, but still challenging for players who may not use terms like SCUTTLEBUTT or HEARSAY often.

Fans on social platforms said the board required extra scanning to spot long words, especially those winding around corners. The combination of short clues and long solutions makes today’s puzzle a satisfying one for both casual and daily players.

In summary, the Strands hint for Nov. 20 focuses on gossip-themed words, with SPREADTHEWORD serving as the spangram. Players looking for today’s complete list of answers can rely on these confirmed solutions to finish the grid.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Strands hint for Nov. 20?

The hint is “Busybody buzz,” pointing to words about gossip and chatter. It guides players toward rumor-related vocabulary.

Q2: What is today’s Strands spangram?

The spangram for Nov. 20 is SPREADTHEWORD. It connects multiple lines across the board.

Q3: What are the Strands theme answers today?

The confirmed theme answers include GOSSIP, SCUTTLEBUTT, RUMOR, REPORT and HEARSAY.

Q4: Why was today’s puzzle considered challenging?

Many of the words are long and twist through the grid. Some terms, like SCUTTLEBUTT, are uncommon for newer players.

Q5: Does the NYT Strands puzzle always have eight answers?

No. The number varies. Some puzzles include more or fewer words depending on the theme.