If you’ve found your way here, it’s likely that you seek some assistance with playing [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive approach to the word search puzzle.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands invites players to discover words hidden in a grid of letters, featuring a unique twist. Words can be created by linking letters in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally—and may even alter direction while forming a word. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution.
Each puzzle is themed around a central concept that interlinks all the words, with one notable word or phrase, known as the “spangram,” embodying this theme while extending across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### What Sets Strands Apart?
In contrast to other word games by NYT such as [Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) and [Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections), Strands does not provide a list of words. Instead, it gives a general hint, adding to the challenge and duration of the puzzle.
If you find yourself in need of assistance or pressed for time, we have hints and solutions available to guide you through today’s Strands puzzle at your convenience.
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## **Hints for Today’s NYT Strands**
### **Theme Hint: The Munchies**
Every word in today’s puzzle pertains to food.
### **Theme Overview**
The solutions consist of snacks—items you might reach for when you’re feeling hungry but are not quite ready for a complete meal.
### **Spangram Hint: Direction**
Today’s spangram is located **vertically** in the grid.
### **Spangram Solution**
The spangram for today’s puzzle is **”Snack Time.”**
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## **NYT Strands Word List for February 10**
Here is a compilation of words necessary to solve today’s puzzle:
– **Granola**
– **Popcorn**
– **Cheese**
– **Nuts**
– **Candy**
– **Fruit**
– **Chips**
– **Snack Time** (Spangram)
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### **Interested in More Games?**
If you love daily word puzzles, visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for additional hints and solutions. You can also check out other engaging games such as Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords on [Mashable’s gaming hub](https://games.mashable.com/).
### **Missed Yesterday’s Puzzle?**
If you need the solution for the previous day’s Strands, [you can access it here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-9-2025).
Enjoy puzzling! 🎉