If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you’re looking for some assistance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ elegant word-search challenge.
**Strands** adds a fresh twist to the classic word search. Words are created by connecting letters in any direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonally — and they can switch direction, forming distinctive shapes and patterns. Each letter in the grid is part of a solution. Every puzzle is centered around a particular theme, always featuring a “spangram” — a notable word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands elevates the difficulty by providing only a slight hint and no word list, making it a more demanding mental challenge. If you’re pressed for time or feeling unsure, we have all the hints required to tackle today’s puzzle at your own speed.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 4](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-february-4-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-February-4-2025)
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### **Today’s NYT Strands Hint: Elf-Centered**
The theme focuses on whimsical creatures.
### **Theme Explained**
The words in today’s puzzle relate to playful, elf-like entities.
### **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram is arranged horizontally.
### **Spangram Answer**
Today’s spangram is **Impish**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for February 4**
Here’s the complete list of words for today’s challenge:
– **Gremlin**
– **Hobgoblin**
– **Leprechaun**
– **Fairy**
– **Pixie**
– **Sprite**
– **Impish**
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### **Featured Video For You**
**Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game**
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### **Looking for More Games?**
If you’re seeking additional daily puzzles, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for more hints and solutions. You can also browse our **[games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and beyond.
Missed yesterday’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to February 3’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-3-2025)