If you’re visiting this page, you likely seek advice on engaging with [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ elegant variation of a word search challenge.
### How to Engage with Strands
Strands offers a distinctive twist on the conventional word search. You can create words by linking letters in any orientation—upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally. Additionally, words can shift direction, forming unique patterns. Every letter within the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle adheres to a particular theme, containing a unique word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which embodies the theme and extends across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
Unlike other NYT games like [Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections), Strands does not supply a word list, making it more of a cerebral challenge that demands additional time and effort to crack.
Should you find yourself stumped or pressed for time, we offer hints to aid you in solving today’s Strands puzzle at your own pace.
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### Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: *How do you respond?*
The words in today’s puzzle are typical triggers for using Benadryl.
### Theme Clarification
All the words included in today’s puzzle are factors that can lead to an allergic reaction.
### Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?
Today’s spangram is **vertical**.
### Today’s Spangram Solution
The spangram for today’s puzzle is **Allergens**.
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### NYT Strands Word List for February 5
– **Latex**
– **Dander**
– **Dust**
– **Pollen**
– **Fragrance**
– **Mold**
– **Smoke**
– **Allergens**
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### Additional Games and Hints
In search of more daily puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for further hints and solutions. You can also discover [Mashable’s game hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and beyond.
Missed the puzzle from yesterday? [Here’s the solution for February 4](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-4-2025).
Enjoy solving! 🎉