If you’ve arrived here, you’re likely seeking assistance with playing [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinct version of a word search puzzle.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands offers a fresh approach to the conventional word search. You can create words by connecting letters in any direction—upward, downward, leftward, rightward, or diagonally. Unlike typical word searches, words in Strands can alternate directions, forming intriguing patterns. Every letter in the board contributes to a solution, and all words are tied together by a shared theme. Furthermore, there’s a unique word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which encapsulates the theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### What Makes Strands Unique
In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not supply a list of words, turning it into more of a mental challenge. The game offers just a broad hint, pushing players to use their imagination and dedicate extra time to cracking the puzzle.
Should you find yourself at a standstill or pressed for time, we have hints available to assist you in solving today’s Strands puzzle at your leisure.
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## Hints for Today’s NYT Strands
### Theme Hint: Choose Your Own Prefix
The words featured in today’s puzzle all relate to tastes.
### Theme Clarification
Each term serves as a prefix frequently associated with various types of berries.
### Spangram Hint
Today’s spangram stretches horizontally across the grid.
### Spangram Solution
The spangram for today is **Berries**.
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## NYT Strands Word Compilation for February 19
– **Blue**
– **Rasp**
– **Straw**
– **Black**
– **Berries**
– **Huckle**
– **Elder**
– **Salmon**
– **Golden**
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### Additional Games and Clues
In search of more daily challenges? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for extra hints and answers. You can also dive into other games such as Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords at [Mashable’s Games Hub](https://games.mashable.com/).
Missed the Strands puzzle from yesterday? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-18-2025).
Enjoy puzzling! 🎉