If you’ve arrived at this page, you’re probably in search of some assistance with Strands — the innovative word search puzzle from the New York Times.

Strands invites players to uncover words concealed within a letter grid. Unlike conventional word searches, the words can twist in any way — upwards, downwards, sideways, or diagonally — and can even change their course in the middle of a word. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all solutions are linked by a shared theme. A unique term or phrase, referred to as the “spangram,” unites everything and spans the grid either horizontally or vertically.

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What distinguishes Strands from other NYT games such as Wordle or Connections is the absence of a word list and its enigmatic daily clue. This results in a more demanding and lengthy puzzle experience.

If you’re pressed for time or just find yourself at a standstill, there’s no need to fret — we have all the hints and solutions you need to tackle today’s Strands puzzle at your own pace.

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Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: “Oh, naturally!”

Hint: The words are all associated with dining.

Theme Explained: Consider items you would commonly order at a restaurant.

Spangram Direction: Horizontal

Spangram Answer: Fine Dining

Today’s Word List (May 20):

– Salad
– Appetizers
– Dessert
– Fine Dining
– Soup
– Cheese
– Entree

Looking for more daily puzzles and brain teasers? Head over to Mashable’s Games page for additional hints and solutions. You can also explore our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.

Missed a day? Get caught up with the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle here.