If you’re visiting this page, chances are you’re seeking some advice on how to engage with [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive approach to a word search challenge.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands offers a fresh take on the classic word search. You can create words by linking adjacent letters in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally. Moreover, words can alter their orientation, resulting in surprising forms. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution.
Each puzzle is centered around a key theme, and all the words discovered will be associated with it. In addition, there’s a special term or phrase known as the “spangram,” which embodies the theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### What Sets Strands Apart
In contrast to other NYT word games like [Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections), Strands does not offer a list of words, which makes it a more demanding and time-intensive challenge. Instead, you’re provided with a broad hint to lead you toward the theme.
If you’re feeling stuck or pressed for time, we have hints available to assist you in solving today’s Strands puzzle at a comfortable pace.
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## **Hints for Today’s NYT Strands (February 11)**
### **Theme Hint: “Attention all shoppers”**
The terms in today’s puzzle are linked to various sections of a store.
### **Theme Explanation**
All the words symbolize departments found in large retail chains like Walmart or Target.
### **Spangram Hint: Direction**
Today’s spangram is found **horizontally**.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today’s puzzle is **Big Box**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for February 11**
– **Beauty**
– **Home**
– **Garden**
– **Bath**
– **Electronics**
– **Toys**
– **Kitchen**
– **Big Box**
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### **Additional Games and Hints**
In search of more daily puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for further hints and solutions. You can also enjoy [Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more](https://games.mashable.com/).
Missed yesterday’s challenge? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-10-2025).