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.
6 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Let’s face it”
Today’s theme leans into something we all recognize instantly: facial features. The puzzle felt approachable thanks to common vocabulary, but the grid still required careful scanning to spot words tucked at angles. The spangram wasn’t overly long, making it easier to identify once a few theme words were found.
6 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about parts of the human face you’d notice when looking at someone closely.
- Look for words related to expressions and appearance rather than emotions.
- Some answers sit near the top and edges of the grid.
- Expect short, everyday words rather than technical terms.
- The spangram ties all facial features together under one simple idea.
6 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Eyes (used for seeing and expressing emotion)
- Cheeks (the softer sides of the face)
- Mouth (essential for speaking and eating)
- Brows (they frame the eyes and show expression)
- Forehead (the upper front part of the face)
- Hairline (where the hair begins above the face)
Spangram
FEATURES
The spangram sums up the entire puzzle by grouping all the facial elements together, serving as the umbrella term that connects every theme word in today’s grid.
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
