If you’ve arrived here, you are likely seeking some assistance in navigating [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive version of the traditional word search puzzle.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands invites players to discover words by linking letters in any direction—upward, downward, to the left, to the right, or diagonally. In contrast to a conventional word search, words can shift direction, creating intriguing shapes. Each letter in the grid contributes to the solution. Every puzzle centers around a particular theme, with all words aligned to it. Furthermore, there exists a special word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which embodies the theme and spans the grid either horizontally or vertically.
Differing from *Wordle* and *Connections*, Strands does not supply a list of words, rendering it a more demanding and time-intensive puzzle. If you find yourself at an impasse or pressed for time, we have clues available to assist you in tackling today’s puzzle at your leisure.
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### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Nautical Ink**
The words featured in today’s puzzle are permanently inscribed on the skin.
### **Theme Clarification**
All words symbolize tattoos inspired by an oceanic theme.
### **Spangram Hint: Horizontally or Vertically?**
Today’s spangram is positioned horizontally.
### **Today’s Spangram Solution**
**SailorTattoo**
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### **NYT Strands Word Compilation for February 28**
– **Mermaid**
– **Anchor**
– **Ship**
– **Compass**
– **Eagle**
– **Swallow**
– **SailorTattoo**
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### **Interested in Additional Games?**
If daily puzzles appeal to you, visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for more clues and challenges. You can also check out [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and beyond.
### **Seeking Solutions for Another Day?**
If you’re in search of answers from a different day’s Strands, [you can find them here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-1-2025).