If you’ve landed here, you’re likely seeking some help with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, the *New York Times*’ elegant rendition of the classic word-search puzzle.
### What is Strands?
Strands encourages players to explore options beyond conventional word searches. You can create words by linking letters in any possible direction — whether that’s upwards, downwards, sideways, or diagonally. But here’s the catch: words can also shift direction, allowing for distinct shapes and formations. Every letter in the array contributes to an answer, and all solutions are connected by a unified theme. Furthermore, there exists the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that represents the day’s theme and fills the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### A Brain-Teasing Challenge
Differing from other *New York Times* games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands doesn’t supply a predefined word list. Instead, it offers a gentle nudge, rendering it a more elaborate and thought-provoking experience. If you find yourself pressed for time or in a bind, no need for concern — we have all the hints and answers you require to approach today’s puzzle at your own pace.
—
### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: Pixar Films**
#### Hint for Today’s Theme:
The words featured in today’s puzzle are titles of animated films.
#### Theme Explanation:
All of the words correspond to titles of films created by Pixar.
#### Spangram Hint:
Today’s spangram stretches across the grid horizontally.
#### Spangram Answer:
The spangram is **Animation**.
—
### Word List for January 22
Here are the solutions for today’s Strands puzzle:
– **Brave**
– **Ratatouille**
– **Elemental**
– **Cars**
– **Onward**
– **Soul**
– **Animation**
—
### Looking for More Games?
If you enjoy puzzles and word games, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for additional entertainment, such as Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and beyond. Need assistance with other daily puzzles? We’re here to help with hints and answers for **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-22-2025)** and **[Connections](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-22-2025)**.
Did you miss yesterday’s Strands puzzle? **[Here’s the solution for January 21](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-21-2025).**
—
### Featured Video: Strands 101
Ready to excel at Strands? Check out our featured video, *”Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game,”* for tips and strategies to enhance your gameplay.
Craving more puzzles? Head over to our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for a selection of challenges to keep your mind engaged!