If you’ve landed here, you’re likely seeking assistance with **Strands**, *The New York Times’* distinctive approach to word search puzzles.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands offers a fresh take on the conventional word search. You can create words by linking letters in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally. Unlike typical word searches, words can also change their orientation, resulting in intriguing formations. Each letter within the grid contributes to a solution.
Every puzzle presents a **theme** that ties together all the words, along with a unique word or phrase known as the **spangram**, symbolizing the theme and extending across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
### What Sets Strands Apart
In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not supply a list of words, making it a more demanding and lengthy puzzle. Rather, you receive a general hint to steer you towards the theme.
If you find yourself in a bind or pressed for time, we offer hints to assist you in tackling today’s puzzle at your own leisurely pace.
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## Today’s NYT Strands Hints
### **Theme Hint:** *Life is like a box of chocolates*
The terms in today’s puzzle frequently present an element of surprise.
### **Basic Theme Explanation:**
All terms represent various types of chocolate fillings.
### **Spangram Hint:**
The spangram is positioned **vertically**.
### **Today’s Spangram Solution:**
**Fillings**
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## **NYT Strands Word List for February 25**
Here are the words featured in today’s puzzle:
– **Truffle**
– **Almonds**
– **Toffee**
– **Caramel**
– **Nougat**
– **Liqueur**
– **Fillings** (Spangram)
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### Additional Games and Hints
In search of more daily puzzles? Explore [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for hints and solutions to other popular games like *Wordle* and *Connections*.
Eager to play more? Head over to our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and other options.
Did you miss yesterday’s puzzle? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-24-2025).