NYT Crossword Clues and Solutions for December 19 #656

El-Balad brings you the latest insights on the NYT Crossword Clues and Solutions for December 19, 2025, puzzle number 656. Today’s Strands puzzle centers around culinary themes, making it particularly engaging for home cooking enthusiasts. While some clues might pose challenges, we provide essential hints to help you navigate through them.

Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle Overview

The theme for today’s Strands puzzle is “On the Chopping Block.” This connects closely to essential cooking techniques. To assist players, we offer clues linked to the theme such as “Knife Skills.” By working through the clues, players uncover words associated with the culinary arts.

Hints for Unlocking Word Solutions

Your objective is to identify words that fit the overarching theme. If you feel stuck, comb through the letters to find words. Each time you discover three words with at least four letters, additional hints will be revealed. Here are some suggested words to consider:

• MAKE
• MAKING
• KING
• DINE
• MICE
• LIVE
• CHIFFON
• MINE

Answers for Today’s Strands Puzzle

To complete the puzzle, it is vital to find all of the answers that align with today’s theme. One intriguing aspect of the Strands puzzle is the spangram—a word that utilizes every letter on the board. Here’s a list of the required answers, including the spangram:

Non-Spangram Answers

• CUBE
• JULIENNE
• DICE
• CHIFFONADE
• SLICE
• MINCE

Today’s Spangram

The spangram for today’s puzzle is MAKINGTHECUT. To accurately locate this word, start with the “M” positioned three letters down from the left margin and trace the letters both across and downwards.

Challenging Strands Puzzles

Over recent weeks, several Strands puzzles have stood out as particularly challenging. Here are a few examples:

• Dated Slang (Jan. 21) – Toughest word: PHAT
• Thar She Blows! (Jan. 15) – Toughest word: BALEEN or RIGHT
• Off the Hook (Jan. 9) – Toughest word: BIGEYE or SKIPJACK

For those looking to enhance their puzzle-solving skills, understanding these past puzzles can be beneficial. Keep practicing, and you’ll become adept at tackling the Strands challenges in no time!