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.
14 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: XOXOXO
Today’s theme perfectly captures affectionate physical gestures, fitting for Valentine’s Day. The grid featured a mix of short, punchy words and longer ones that evoke closeness, with the spangram boldly spanning the board to tie it all together.
14 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
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Focus on terms for close, loving physical contact between people.
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Look for actions involving lips, arms, or bodies in intimate ways.
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Words range from quick touches to prolonged holds.
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Check edges and diagonals for the shorter smooching terms.
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The spangram is a classic phrase for affectionate greetings or signs-off.
14 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
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Peck (a quick, light kiss)
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Smack (a loud, firm kiss)
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Smooch (a gentle, affectionate kiss)
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Cuddle (to hold close in a cozy embrace)
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Snuggle (to nestle closely together)
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Embrace (to hug warmly)
Spangram
Hugs and Kisses
The spangram sums up the puzzle’s loving theme, often symbolized as XOXO in notes and cards, representing squeezes and lip-locks.
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
- 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 was heartwarmingly thematic for February 14, with words that feel extra cozy amid the romance hype. Spotting the spangram early made the rest fall into place sweetly. How quickly did the affection theme hit you?
