If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re not alone. It’s a fresh word game from the New York Times that combines elements of a word search with clever, theme-based twists.
12 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Sink or swim”
Today’s theme leaned into moments of pressure and consequence. “Sink or swim” suggests situations where outcomes matter deeply — and the word list reflected that urgency. The vocabulary choices felt sharp and serious, with each word hinting at turning points or make-or-break scenarios. The spangram was fittingly bold and perfectly summed up the mood of the grid.
12 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about moments where the outcome truly matters.
- Look for words that describe high-pressure decisions.
- Several answers relate to turning points or crucial circumstances.
- Expect adjectives that signal importance or urgency.
- The grid favors medium-to-long words today.
- Spangram: It describes situations where a lot is on the line.
12 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Decisive (a moment that determines the outcome)
- Critical (extremely important or essential)
- Risky (involving danger or uncertainty)
- Pivotal (serving as a crucial turning point)
- Imperative (absolutely necessary or urgent)
Spangram
High Stakes
This spangram captures the heart of the puzzle — situations where the pressure is intense and outcomes carry significant consequences. Every theme word connects to moments defined by importance, urgency, and risk.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
- You’re given a theme.
- The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
- Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
- Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!
Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.
How to get and use hints
Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:
- To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
- Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
- When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.
Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.
Tips to become a NYT Strands pro
- Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
- Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
- Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
- Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
- Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.
Final thoughts
The 12 February puzzle felt moderately challenging, thanks to its serious tone and closely related vocabulary. The theme was cohesive and satisfying once it clicked. How many did you find before spotting the spangram?
