If you’re visiting, you might be seeking some help with playing [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive version of a word search puzzle.

### How to Engage with Strands
Strands adds a unique twist to the classic word search. You can create words by linking adjacent letters in various directions—up, down, left, right, or diagonally. Moreover, words can shift direction, forming intriguing shapes. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle is themed, featuring a special word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which encapsulates the theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.

### A More Difficult Word Game
In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not offer a word list, making it a tougher and more time-consuming challenge. Players must depend on an ambiguous hint to discover the words, transforming it into a genuine brain workout.

If you’re feeling perplexed or pressed for time, we have the hints you require to tackle today’s puzzle at your own pace.

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## NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: **Grrr**
The words featured in today’s puzzle are synonyms.

### Theme Clarified
Each word signifies an emotion that may lead you to exclaim, “Grrr!”

### Spangram Hint: Orientation
Today’s spangram is positioned **horizontally**.

### Spangram Solution
Today’s spangram is: **Crossword**.

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## NYT Strands Word List for March 18
Here are all the words included in today’s puzzle:

– **Surly**
– **Vexed**
– **Grumpy**
– **Cranky**
– **Irked**
– **Peeved**
– **Touchy**
– **Crossword**

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### Seeking Additional Games?
If you love daily puzzles, visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for more hints and challenges. You can also browse [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more.

**Missed yesterday’s puzzle?** [Locate the March 17 Strands solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-17-2025).