The New York Times Strands puzzle for February 17, #716, challenges players to identify hidden words within a grid based on a common theme. If you’re seeking assistance, this guide provides hints and the complete solution.
Understanding the Puzzle
Strands requires players to find words of four or more letters that fit a specific category. The game offers in-game hints when three valid words are discovered; these hints reveal theme-related terms. The ultimate goal is to uncover all theme words, including the “spangram”—a long word that spans the entire grid.
Hints
Today’s Strands theme revolves around the Chinese Zodiac. The puzzle’s words are associated with animals in a 12-year cycle.
To trigger in-game hints, consider using these words as starting points: HOST, HOTS, ROTS, ROSE, ROSES, DRAG, MONK, RANG. Any four-letter word will work to unlock the first hint.
The Solution
The complete list of theme words for today’s Strands puzzle includes:
- GOAT
- DRAGON
- MONKEY
- HORSE
- SNAKE
- TIGER
- RABBIT
The spangram—the word that stretches across the entire grid—completes the puzzle.
Strands is designed to be solved through logical deduction and pattern recognition. The hints and solution above are provided for those seeking assistance, but the satisfaction of solving it independently is often greater.
