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.
24 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Just for reference”
Today’s theme leaned into materials we consult when we need clarity, facts, or the right word. The puzzle felt approachable but satisfying, with longer entries stretching across the board. The spangram was especially fitting — a common phrase that perfectly summed up the purpose of every word in the grid.
24 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about books (or tools) you open when you need information quickly.
- Look for resources commonly found in libraries or offices.
- Several answers are fairly long words, so scan for extended letter runs.
- Expect terms connected to definitions, meanings, or listings.
- Spangram: A phrase you might say before checking one of these sources.
24 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Encyclopedia (a comprehensive collection of information)
- Disctionary (for definitions and spellings)
- Thesaurus (for synonyms and related words)
- Directory (an organized listing of names or entries)
Spangram
LOOK IT UP
This spangram neatly captures the essence of the theme. Each answer is a resource you consult when you need to verify facts, meanings, or information — in short, when you need to look it up.
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
This was a clean, straightforward puzzle with a cohesive theme that made connections easy once you spotted the pattern. The longer words added a fun layer of challenge. How many did you manage before revealing the hints?
