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.
19 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Here’s a thought”
Today’s theme leaned into the world of thinking, reasoning, and intellectual sparks. The grid was filled with words connected to ideas — from tentative musings to more structured lines of reasoning. It felt cohesive and satisfying, especially as the longer words began to reveal the puzzle’s overall direction.
19 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about words you might use when presenting a new line of thinking.
- Look for terms often heard in classrooms, debates, or research discussions.
- Several words describe different stages of forming or testing an idea.
- Expect a mix of shorter and slightly longer academic-style vocabulary.
- Spangram ties the list together with an exclamation you might shout after a brilliant discovery.
19 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Idea
- Hypothesis
- Notion
- Theory
- Postulate
- Concept
Spangram
EUREKA
This spangram captures the joyful cry of discovery — the moment when a fresh idea or breakthrough clicks into place, perfectly tying together today’s collection of thought-related words.
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
Today’s puzzle felt moderately challenging, especially with some of the more academic vocabulary in the mix. Still, the theme was clear and cohesive, and spotting the spangram was a rewarding “aha!” moment. How many did you find before checking the answers?
