Drag letters from the pool into “Your Answer”, then reorder them to match the solution.
Reveal Hint
Think of a clever ploy that keeps someone in the dark.
Reveal Hint
????: A deceptive maneuver or trick.
Reveal Hint
A '????' is a trick or deception, often used to keep someone unaware of a surprise. In the context of a surprise party, a ???? might be employed to ensure the guest of honor doesn't suspect the celebration. The clue hints at the idea of planning or preparation involved in maintaining the element of surprise.
Reveal Hint
Villainous ploy, Cunning trick, Scheme, Trick, Sneaky plot
Answer
THIS
Answer
RASP
Answer
TUNER
Answer
HOST
Answer
ACTEDALONE
Answer
RUSE
Answer
WHATABOUTBOB
Answer
USUAL
Answer
STYX
Answer
ALLA
Answer
MEEMAW
Answer
ETES
Answer
EAR
Answer
UNCLESAM
Answer
PAPERBOY
Answer
TAMPA
Answer
THESCREAM
Answer
SPINALTAP
Answer
ASIAN
Answer
RELAXANT
Answer
SCOPEOUT
Answer
EPI
Answer
MEDUSA
Answer
GANG
Answer
ERIN
Answer
DEMON
Answer
ANSWERKEYS
Answer
BALI
Answer
DETECTIVES
Answer
IMAM
Answer
SLANG
Answer
TETE
Answer
TIRE
Answer
THRUM
Answer
HOUSE
Answer
ISSUE
Answer
STEAM
Answer
RAW
Answer
ACHS
Answer
PETABYTE
Answer
TAU
Answer
ULTA
Answer
NOBLE
Answer
ENOLA
Answer
REBAR
Answer
DOXES
Answer
LAURENCE
Answer
WNBA
Answer
SATIATED
Answer
COM
Answer
MANX
Answer
PTA
Answer
AHS
Answer
PESCI
Answer
ERAS
Answer
PAN
Answer
APT
Answer
SEO
Answer
PLUM
Answer
RELIEVE
Answer
OVERT
Answer
EGADS
Answer
PANEL
Answer
INSTA
Answer
DEBIT
Answer
UMAMI
Answer
SOLAR
Answer
ANIME
Answer
GWEN
Answer
NYET
Answer
SSE
The answer to “Preparation for many a surprise party” in the New York Times puzzle January 1 2026 is RUSE. Quite straight and simple! Complete your daily NYT Mini challenge with this solution.
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