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.
8 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Make it fancy”
Today’s theme leans playful and stylish, focusing on small details that add flair and sophistication. The words are familiar but feel elevated in this context, and the spangram is fairly long, making it a helpful anchor once you start spotting shorter, decorative terms.
8 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think about finishing touches that make something look upscale.
- Look for small, edible items often added for presentation.
- Several answers are short and common, but easy to overlook in the grid.
- Expect words tied to drinks rather than food as a whole.
- The spangram ties the list together by naming what all these items are used for.
8 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- Twist (a curled citrus peel)
- Shrimp (a classic upscale garnish)
- Cherry (often sweet and decorative)
- Celery (a crisp, aromatic addition)
- Olive (iconic in savory drinks)
- Sprig (usually an herb, like rosemary)
Spangram
Cocktail Garnish
This spangram explains the theme perfectly, grouping all the answers as decorative and flavorful additions used to dress up drinks and make them feel more refined and visually appealing.
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 8 February 2026 Strands puzzle feels light, clever, and approachable, with a theme that clicks quickly once you spot a couple of words. It’s more fun than tricky, making for a satisfying solve. How many did you find before the spangram?
