If you’re here, it’s likely that you’re seeking some assistance with Strands — the clever spin on the traditional word search puzzle from the New York Times.

Strands challenges players to uncover words concealed in a letter grid, but with an innovative twist: words can curve in all directions — upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally — and can even alter direction within a single word. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the words are connected by a unified theme. A unique word or phrase, referred to as the “spangram,” embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

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Unlike other NYT games such as Wordle or Connections, Strands does not provide a list of words to discover. Instead, it presents a lone, often enigmatic hint, turning it into a more challenging puzzle and extending the playtime.

If you find yourself perplexed or simply don’t have the time to tackle today’s puzzle solo, no need to fret — we have all the hints and answers required for you to progress at your leisurely pace.

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🧩 NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme:
Boogie woogie woogie

🕺 Theme Explained:
All the words represent names of well-known dances.

📏 Spangram Direction:
Today’s spangram is oriented vertically.

🧠 Spangram Answer:
Line Dance

📝 Word List for May 14:

– Macarena
– Hustle
– Wobble
– Line Dance
– Footloose
– Locomotion

🎮 Craving more daily puzzles and games?
Visit Mashable’s Games page for additional hints and solutions. You can also explore our games hub to engage with Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more — all at no cost.

📅 In search of a past puzzle?
Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle.