If you’re viewing this, you’re looking for help with Strands, the New York Times‘ advanced word-search game.

Strands presents players with a distinct twist on the classic word search. Words can be constructed from connected letters in any direction, including diagonally, and can alter direction, forming unusual shapes and patterns. Each letter in the grid contributes to an answer. There is always a theme that links every solution, along with the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and spans the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.

By presenting an unclear hint and omitting the word list, Strands crafts a challenging game that takes longer to complete than other games like Wordle and Connections.

If you’re finding it difficult or do not have 10 or more minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we have all the NYT Strands hints you require to continue at your desired pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Down time

The words relate to mood.

Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly articulated

These words depict a melancholic mood.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today’s NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today’s spangram is Sadness