Strands Hint

Spoiler-safe daily page

Strands Hint & Answer

February 14, 2026

Reveal only what you need: theme first, then spangram help, then individual theme words, and finally the full answer list.

Today's theme hint

Think about: XOXOXO

Spangram today

13 letters · direction unknown

?????????????
Show spangram hint

This phrase is the literal translation of the theme letters X and O, often found at the bottom of a love letter.

The spangram has 13 letters and ties the whole theme together.

Show spangram
HUGSANDKISSES

HUGSANDKISSES

Theme word hints

Open one card at a time. Each preview hides the full word until you choose to reveal it.

Word 1: CUD...

CUDDLE

Theme word starting with CUD.

Word 2: EMB...

EMBRACE

Theme word starting with EMB.

Word 3: PEC...

PECK

Theme word starting with PEC.

Word 4: SMA...

SMACK

Theme word starting with SMA.

Word 5: SMO...

SMOOCH

Theme word starting with SMO.

Word 6: SNU...

SNUGGLE

Theme word starting with SNU.

Reveal today's Strands answers

Ready for the complete list? This section keeps the spangram and theme words behind one final reveal.

Show all answers

Theme

XOXOXO

HUGSANDKISSESCUDDLEEMBRACEPECKSMACKSMOOCHSNUGGLE

Today's theme 'XOXOXO' focuses on the playful shorthand for affection used in letters and messages. It invites players to find various ways we express love and closeness through physical gestures.

Spangram

13

letters

Theme words

6

to find

Difficulty

medium

Next puzzle in

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Seconds

Countdown targets midnight Eastern Time, when the next daily puzzle usually rolls over.

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Past Strands answers

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How to use today's Strands page

Start with the theme hint if you want a gentle push. If that is not enough, open the spangram hint before revealing the full spangram. Theme-word cards let you unlock one answer at a time instead of spoiling the whole board.

When you are ready to check the complete solution, use the final reveal. The archive keeps earlier published days so you can revisit yesterday's board without digging through old search results.

This site is an independent fan-made helper and is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Frequently asked questions

What is Strands?

Strands is a word puzzle where theme words connect through a letter grid.

How do I use this page?

Start with the theme hint, then reveal the spangram hint, spangram, and answers only when needed.

What is a spangram?

A spangram is the long theme answer that ties the rest of the puzzle together.

Are answers shown immediately?

No. The spangram and full answers are hidden behind reveal controls.

Is this an official puzzle page?

No. Strands Hint is an independent fan-made helper.