If you’re visiting this page, chances are you seek advice on engaging with [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive approach to a word search puzzle.

### How to Engage with Strands
Strands offers a fresh perspective on the classic word search. You can create words by linking letters in any orientation—upward, downward, to the left, to the right, or at an angle. Additionally, words can shift direction, forming unconventional shapes. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle features a theme that connects all the words, including a special term or phrase known as the “spangram,” which embodies the theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing only a vague clue and no list of words, Strands delivers a tougher challenge than other NYT games like [Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) and [Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections). If you’re finding it tough or are pressed for time, we have hints available to assist with today’s puzzle.

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### Today’s NYT Strands Theme: “To Infinity and Beyond”
**Hint:** The terms are names of animated figures.

#### Theme Explanation
All the entries in today’s puzzle are characters that accompany the astronaut famous for this well-known phrase.

#### Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?
Today’s spangram is **horizontal**.

#### Spangram Answer
The spangram for today’s puzzle is **Toy Story**.

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### NYT Strands Word List for February 21
– **Slinky**
– **Woody**
– **Wheezy**
– **Alien**
– **Bullseye**
– **Buzz**
– **Twitch**
– **Toy Story**

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### Additional Games and Hints
Searching for more daily puzzle challenges? Explore [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for hints, solutions, and a range of online games including Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords.

Missed yesterday’s puzzle? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-20-2025).