If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you seek some assistance with Strands — the New York Times’ innovative take on the traditional word search puzzle.

Strands invites players to uncover words by linking letters in any direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonally. However, the unique twist is that words can alter their direction mid-sentence, creating surprising formations. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the words are interconnected by a shared theme. Each puzzle also features a specific word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which sums up the day’s theme and spans the entire grid, either horizontally or vertically.

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Contrary to Wordle or Connections, Strands does not provide a word list. Instead, it presents a cryptic hint, making it a more elaborate and thought-provoking endeavor. If you find yourself pressed for time or simply need some guidance, we have all the clues and answers to assist you in solving today’s Strands puzzle at your leisure.

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Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint:
What a trill!

Theme Explained:
All the words pertain to birds celebrated for their sweet songs.

Spangram Direction:
Today’s spangram extends horizontally across the grid.

Spangram Answer:
Songbirds

Word List for May 2:

– Chickadee
– Sparrow
– Lark
– Warbler
– Cardinal
– Wren

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

Curious about yesterday’s puzzle? Here’s the solution for the May 1 Strands.