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.
22 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Olympics wrap-up”
NYT Strands is the daily word-search-style puzzle from the New York Times, challenging players to uncover theme-based words hidden across the grid. The 22 February 2026 puzzle revolved around “Olympics wrap-up,” blending celebratory traditions and key figures from the Games, along with a spangram that neatly tied everything together.
22 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about what happens at the very end of the Olympic Games.
- Look for symbols and traditions commonly associated with international sporting events.
- Some words relate to people, while others relate to ceremonial objects or performances.
- The grid mixes shorter celebratory terms with slightly longer spotlight words.
- Spangram: It describes the official event that formally concludes the Olympics and ties all the theme words together.
22 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- FLAG (often lowered or passed during the finale)
- PARADE (of athletes during the ceremony)
- FLAME (the Olympic flame that is extinguished)
- MEDAL (symbol of achievement)
- ANTHEM (played to honor nations)
- ATHLETE (the stars of the Games)
Spangram
CLOSING CEREMONY
This spangram captures the grand finale of the Olympic Games, when athletes gather one last time, the flame is extinguished, flags are lowered, and the world celebrates unity and achievement.
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 22 February puzzle felt balanced and satisfying, especially if you’re familiar with Olympic traditions. The theme was cohesive and celebratory without being too tricky. How many did you spot before revealing the spangram?
