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.
15 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Now I get it!”
Today’s theme captures those euphoric moments of sudden comprehension, like an “aha!” breakthrough. The grid mixes synonyms for understanding with the spangram stretching across to illuminate the core idea.
15 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
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Zero in on synonyms for “comprehend” or “figure out.”
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Think mental breakthroughs and cognitive grasps.
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Words vary from quick insights to deeper realizations.
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Probe the middle and edges for the shorter terms.
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The spangram evokes enlightenment or clarity.
15 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
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Grasp (to intuitively seize an idea)
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Fathom (to deeply comprehend or penetrate)
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Understand (to fully know or perceive)
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Apprehend (to grasp mentally or arrest conceptually)
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Realize (to become suddenly aware)
Spangram
See The Light
The spangram nails the puzzle’s epiphany theme, like finally “seeing the light” after puzzling over a tough concept.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
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You’re given a theme.
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The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
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Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
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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:
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To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
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Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
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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
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Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
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Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
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Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
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Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
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Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.
Final thoughts
Today’s puzzle brilliantly evokes those satisfying “now I get it!” flashes, with the spangram providing that perfect clarifying glow. The insight words clicked into place once grasped. How quickly did the comprehension theme dawn on you?
