Should you find yourself reading this, you’re likely in search of guidance regarding Strands, the New York Times‘ intricate word-search game.

Strands provides players with a novel take on the classic word search. Words can be crafted from adjacent letters in any orientation—up, down, left, right, or diagonal—and may shift direction, forming distinct shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution. There is consistently a theme that links each answer, alongside the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and extends across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing a cursory clue and omitting a word list, Strands presents a challenging experience that typically requires more time to complete than other games such as Wordle and Connections.

If you find yourself at an impasse or lack 10 or more minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we offer all the NYT Strands hints necessary to advance at your own pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I am what I am

The words pertain to individuals.

Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly outlined

These terms describe attributes of a being.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today’s spangram is Be Yourself