If you’ve landed here, it’s likely that you’re seeking some advice on tackling **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ elegant word-search challenge.
**Strands** innovatively reimagines the classic word search format. Words can be created by connecting letters in any orientation — whether it’s up, down, sideways, or diagonal. However, there’s an intriguing twist: words are permitted to change direction, forming distinctive shapes and designs. Every letter within the grid contributes to a potential solution. Each puzzle is centered around a specific theme, and there’s always a standout word or phrase referred to as the “spangram” that captures the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid, either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Enjoy games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other *NYT* games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands does not provide a list of words, resulting in a more demanding challenge. Instead, it offers a vague clue, transforming the game into a cognitive workout that requires additional time and effort for completion.
If you find yourself feeling challenged or have less than 10 minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, don’t fret — we have all the hints and solutions you require to advance at your own speed.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Solution, hints for February 2](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-february-2-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, solutions for February 2](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-February-2-2025)
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### **NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: Album of the Year**
Today’s words focus on award winners.
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### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Explained**
The solutions include the names of artists who have claimed the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
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### **NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram is oriented vertically.
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### **NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Today**
The spangram is **GrammyWinners**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for February 2**
Here are today’s solutions:
– **Cross**
– **Styles**
– **Swift**
– **Hill**
– **Wonder**
– **Jones**
– **King**
– **GrammyWinners**
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### **Seeking More Games?**
If you’re a puzzle enthusiast, take a look at **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for additional hints and solutions. You can also delve into our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and so much more.
Missed today’s challenge? No need for concern — you can locate **[yesterday’s Strands solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-1-2025)**.