If you’ve arrived here, it’s likely that you’re in search of some assistance with [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ intricate word-search challenge.
**Strands** reimagines the classic word search. Words can be created by linking letters in every direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonal. The unique aspect is that words can alter their direction mid-connection, forming distinct shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, with all answers connected by a shared theme. Additionally, the game introduces the “spangram,” a distinctive word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other NYT games like [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), **Strands** increases the difficulty by providing only a vague clue and no list of words. This results in a more intellectually stimulating experience that may take longer to complete. However, if you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed, we have all the hints you need to proceed at your own speed.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 19](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-19-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 19](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-19-2025)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: “I Get the Message”**
The terms in today’s puzzle pertain to inbox operations.
### **Theme Explained**
The answers represent actions you might undertake while handling messages.
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## **Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram is arranged vertically.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **EmailLabel**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for January 19**
Here are all the responses for today’s puzzle:
– **Inbox**
– **Sent**
– **Trash**
– **Drafts**
– **Spam**
– **Snoozed**
– **Starred**
– **EmailLabel**
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### **Featured Video For You**
**Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game**
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### **Looking for More Games?**
Visit [**Mashable’s Games page**](https://mashable.com/category/games) for hints, puzzles, and more. From Mahjong to Sudoku to free crosswords, there’s something for everyone.
Missed yesterday’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to January 18’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-18-2025)