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

Strands invites players to uncover words concealed within a grid of letters. Unlike conventional word searches, the words in Strands can zigzag in any orientation — up, down, sideways, and diagonally — and they may even shift direction in the middle of a word. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the words are linked by a shared theme. Additionally, there is a unique word or phrase known as the “spangram” that captures the day’s theme and spans across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

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What sets Strands apart from other NYT games such as Wordle or Connections is that it doesn’t provide you with a list of words to discover. Instead, you’re presented with an ambiguous clue, and it’s your task to unravel the rest. It’s a cerebral challenge that may take a bit longer — but that’s part of the enjoyment.

If you’re pressed for time or just require a small push to get started, we have all the hints and answers for today’s Strands puzzle right here.

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SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints and answers for May 21

Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: “Three’s a crowd”

The words you’re seeking today all pertain to numbers — particularly, ways to describe two of something.

Spangram Direction Hint

Today’s spangram extends horizontally across the grid.

Spangram Answer for May 21

The spangram is: Double Trouble

Word List for Today’s NYT Strands (May 21)

– Couple
– Twosome
– Double Trouble
– Partners
– Twins
– Pair
– Match

Seeking more daily puzzles and games? Visit Mashable’s Games page for additional hints and solutions. You can also browse our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and other enjoyable challenges.

Missed a day? You can find the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle here.