If you’ve found your way here, it’s likely that you’re in search of some assistance with Strands, the New York Times’ inventive take on the traditional word search puzzle.

Strands invites participants to discover words concealed within a matrix of letters — but with a unique twist. Unlike standard word searches, the words in Strands can curve and shift directions, creating surprising forms. You can link letters in any orientation — vertically, horizontally, sideways, or diagonally — and every letter in the matrix contributes to a solution. Each puzzle revolves around a specific theme, and contained within it is a special term or phrase known as the “spangram.” This spangram spans the whole grid, either horizontally or vertically, and embodies the theme of the day.

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Strands differentiates itself from other NYT games such as Wordle and Connections by presenting a more intricate challenge. With merely an ambiguous hint and no vocabulary list to assist you, tackling Strands may require additional time and mental effort. However, if you find yourself pressed for time or just require a bit of guidance, we’re here with hints and solutions to support you through today’s puzzle.

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Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint:
The musical fruit

Theme Explained:
All the words refer to types of seeds that develop in pods — in simpler terms, beans!

Spangram Direction:
Today’s spangram is oriented vertically.

Spangram Answer:
Bean Salad

Strands Word List for May 23:

– Green
– Kidney
– Black
– Fava
– Bean Salad
– Cannellini
– Navy
– Pinto

Looking for more daily puzzles and games? Head over to Mashable’s Games page for even more enjoyment, featuring Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more.

Did you miss a day? Find the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle here.