Strands is a fun word puzzle from The New York Times that puts a twist on the classic word search. Instead of just finding words in straight lines, you can link letters in any direction — up, down, sideways, or even diagonal. The fun part? The words can twist and turn, making cool shapes as you find them.
One big rule in Strands is that every letter in the grid is used in one of the answers. You’re not just hunting random words — all the words are connected by a theme. Each day, there’s a special word or phrase called a “spangram” that matches the day’s theme. The spangram stretches all the way across the grid, either horizontally or vertically.
Unlike other quick games like Wordle or Connections, Strands doesn’t give you a list of words to find. Instead, you get a vague clue. That makes it more of a brain workout — and it usually takes more time to solve. But that’s what makes it rewarding!
If today’s puzzle has you scratching your head, we’ve got some hints to help you move along.
Today’s Strands Puzzle (May 27)
- Theme Hint: A strange new world
- What it means: All the words are related to books, especially ones set in unusual or imagined worlds.
- Spangram Hint: It is laid out horizontally.
- Spangram Answer: Dystopian Novel
These words are all from famous dystopian books — stories that show imaginary societies with problems like too much control, no freedom, or harsh living conditions.
Word List for Today’s Puzzle
Here are all the words you’ll find in today’s puzzle:
- Dystopian Novel (spangram)
- Animal
- Hunger
- Handmaids
- Games
- Tale
- Farm
These words are tied to popular books like Animal Farm, The Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale, and more.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or just short on time, use these hints to help you solve the puzzle at your own pace. Have fun finding all the hidden words!