If you’re visiting this page, you may be seeking some assistance with playing [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive version of a word search puzzle.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands adds a fresh spin to the classic word search. You can create words by connecting letters in any direction—upwards, downwards, sideways, or in diagonal lines. In contrast to typical word searches, words can also twist and turn, forming intriguing shapes. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution.
Each puzzle is centered around a specific theme, featuring words associated with that subject. There is also a unique word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which embodies the theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### Why Strands is More Engaging
Differing from *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not offer a list of words, thus providing a more thought-provoking challenge. The game presents only an ambiguous hint, pushing players to engage in critical thinking and to explore various options.
Should you find yourself in a jam or pressed for time, we have hints available to assist you in unraveling today’s puzzle at your own convenience.
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## **Hints for Today’s NYT Strands**
### **Theme Hint: Ode to the Aubergine**
All the terms are connected to culinary themes.
### **Straightforward Explanation of the Theme**
Each term signifies a dish featuring the same primary ingredient.
### **Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram is aligned vertically.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **EggplantDish**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for March 21**
– **Parmigiana**
– **Stuffed**
– **Ratatouille**
– **Moussaka**
– **EggplantDish**
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### **Explore More Games and Hints**
Are you on the hunt for additional daily puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for extra hints and solutions. You can also discover [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more.
If you missed yesterday’s puzzle, [locate the March 20 Strands solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-20-2025).