Strands Hint

Spoiler-safe daily page

Strands Hint & Answer

February 18, 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: Cold competition

Spangram today

12 letters · direction unknown

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

The big word that spans the board describes the general category of athletic activities played during the frostiest season of the year.

The spangram has 12 letters and ties the whole theme together.

Show spangram
WINTERSPORTS

WINTERSPORTS

Theme word hints

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

Word 1: BOB...

BOBSLED

Theme word starting with BOB.

Word 2: CUR...

CURLING

Theme word starting with CUR.

Word 3: HOC...

HOCKEY

Theme word starting with HOC.

Word 4: LUG...

LUGE

Theme word starting with LUG.

Word 5: SNO...

SNOWBOARDING

Theme word starting with SNO.

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

Cold competition

WINTERSPORTSBOBSLEDCURLINGHOCKEYLUGESNOWBOARDING

Today's theme 'Cold competition' invites players to think about athletic events that take place on ice or snow. It's a tribute to the high-speed and precision-based activities of the colder months.

Spangram

12

letters

Theme words

5

to find

Difficulty

medium

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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.