If you’re visiting this page, you might be seeking some help 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 presents a challenge by putting a spin on the classic word search game. You can create words by linking adjacent letters in all possible directions—upward, downward, leftward, rightward, or diagonally. Additionally, words can twist and turn, forming intriguing shapes. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution. Every puzzle features a theme connecting all the words, along with a special word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which embodies the theme and extends across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### A More Demanding Word Game
In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not offer a word list, resulting in a more mentally stimulating experience. Players must instead depend on a vague clue to identify the words, often necessitating greater time and effort to complete.
If you find yourself in a jam or pressed for time, we have hints available to guide you in solving today’s Strands puzzle at your leisure.
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## **Today’s Strands Puzzle: March 22**
### **Clue for Today’s Theme: A Good Roast**
The words do not pertain to cooking or food-related topics.
### **Theme Elucidated**
The terms found in today’s puzzle are sounds you might encounter at a roast.
### **Spangram Clue: Direction**
The spangram for today is organized vertically.
### **Spangram Solution**
The spangram for today is **CrackingUp**.
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## **Word List for March 22**
– **Giggle**
– **Cackle**
– **Shriek**
– **Chuckle**
– **Laugh**
– **Howl**
– **CrackingUp**
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### **Additional Games and Hints**
In search of further daily puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for extra hints and solutions. You can also check out [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and beyond.
Missed yesterday’s Strands puzzle? [Locate the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-21-2025).