Step aside, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a hot new word game in town! The New York Times has introduced the addictive game “Strands,” which is quickly gaining popularity among fans looking for a daily mental challenge on the NYT website and app.
With daily themes and challenging “spangrams” to uncover, Strands is the latest must-play game that you need to conquer before the next challenge arrives in just 24 hours.
So, how exactly do you play Strands? According to the New York Times, here’s the scoop:
First, you need to find theme words to fill up the board. These theme words will be highlighted in blue once you discover them. Drag or tap letters to create words, and if you’re tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit. Theme words should cover the entire board without overlapping.
Next, you’ll need to find the “spangram.” The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board, sometimes consisting of two words. The spangram will highlight in yellow once you’ve found it. An example of a spangram could be PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, and so on.
If you get stuck, you can find hints by uncovering non-theme words. For every three non-theme words you discover, you earn a hint. Hints will reveal the letters of a theme word, providing you with some much-needed assistance.
Today’s Strands theme is “Ode to joy,” and the hint for the game is simply “Because I’m happy.”
Warning: Spoilers ahead! In today’s puzzle, there are six theme words to uncover (including the spangram). The first two letters of each word are:
BL
EC
EL
EU
RH
SE (SPANGRAM)
Today’s Spangram mixes both vertical and horizontal words, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.
And the answer to today’s Spangram on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Thursday, January 22, 2026, is SEVENTHHEAVEN.
Today’s theme words and the spangram answer for January 22 are:
BLISS
ECSTASY
ELATION
EUPHORIA
RHAPSODY
SPANGRAM: SEVENTHHEAVEN
For more NYT ‘Strands’ hints, answers, and spangrams, be sure to check out the latest updates on the NYT website.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and challenging word game to test your skills, look no further than Strands from the New York Times. It’s the perfect daily activity to keep your mind sharp and engaged.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.