### Seeking Assistance with NYT Strands? Here’s Your Manual
If you’re visiting this page, you probably need some guidance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ distinctive approach to a word search game.
### Instructions for Playing Strands
Strands invites players to locate words by linking letters in any direction—upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally. Unlike conventional word searches, in Strands, words can shift direction, leading to surprising patterns. Every letter within the grid contributes to a solution.
Each puzzle revolves around a central concept, and every word you discover will connect to that theme. There’s also a unique word or phrase known as the **”spangram,”** which represents the theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
### What Sets Strands Apart
In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not offer a list of words, making it a more demanding and lengthy puzzle-solving experience. The game provides just a faint hint, compelling players to engage in critical thinking and consider various word options.
If you’re having difficulty or pressed for time, we’ve got your back with hints and solutions for today.
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Hints and Solutions**
### **Today’s Theme Hint: Sun Shade**
The words in today’s puzzle are variations of a particular color.
### **Theme Elucidation**
All the words represent different shades of **yellow**.
### **Spangram Hint: Arrangement**
The spangram for today’s puzzle is positioned **horizontally**.
### **Spangram Solution**
The spangram for today’s Strands puzzle is: **Yellow**.
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## **NYT Strands Word Collection for February 17**
– **Saffron**
– **Canary**
– **Daffodil**
– **Yellow**
– **Mustard**
– **Lemon**
– **Goldenrod**
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### **Additional Games and Hints**
Looking for more daily challenges? Visit **[Mashable’s Games Hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for **Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and various others.**
Missed the puzzle from yesterday? **[Access the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-16-2025).**
Enjoy your puzzling adventure! 🎉