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Strands - Find the Themed Words and Spangram

What is Strands?

Strands is a themed word search puzzle on a 6×8 letter grid. You get a theme hint, and your job is to find all the hidden words that relate to that theme. There is also a special word called the spangram that describes the theme and physically spans from one edge of the grid to the other.

You form words by dragging across adjacent letters - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Every letter on the board belongs to exactly one word. Once you find all the themed words and the spangram, the puzzle is solved.

How to play Strands

  1. Read the theme hint at the top. It tells you what the hidden words have in common.
  2. Drag across adjacent letters to form a word. Letters must touch - including diagonals.
  3. If the word matches the theme, its letters lock in blue on the grid.
  4. Find the spangram - the word that names the theme. It runs edge-to-edge and locks in gold.
  5. Find 3 valid non-themed words (any real word, 4+ letters) to earn 1 hint.

Hints reveal the letters of one unfound themed word. They pulse on the grid for a couple of seconds so you can spot them.

Want the full walkthrough with pictures? Read the complete guide

What is a spangram?

The spangram is the key word in every Strands puzzle. It names or describes the theme and runs from one edge of the grid to the opposite edge - left to right, top to bottom, or diagonally. When you find it, the letters lock in gold.

Finding the spangram early is usually a good move. Once you know exactly what the theme is, the remaining words get easier to spot. Start by scanning the border cells, since the spangram always begins and ends at an edge.

Tips and strategy

  • Check the edges first. The spangram starts and ends on the border, so that is where you should begin looking.
  • Short themed words (4–5 letters) are easier to find. Grab those first to clear space on the grid.
  • Non-themed words are not wasted. Three of them earn you a hint, so pick off easy ones (THAT, HAVE, MAKE) while scanning for themed words.
  • After finding a few themed words, look at the unused letters. The remaining answers are hiding in whatever is left.

More detailed strategies in the strategy guide

Frequently asked questions

What is Strands?

Strands is a themed word search puzzle played on a 6×8 letter grid. Every puzzle has a theme, several hidden themed words, and a special word called the spangram that describes the theme and spans edge to edge.

How do you play Strands?

Read the theme hint, then drag across adjacent letters to form words. Themed words lock in blue. The spangram locks in gold. Find 3 non-themed valid words to earn a hint. Solve the puzzle by finding all themed words and the spangram.

What is a spangram?

A spangram is the special word in each puzzle that names or describes the theme. It physically runs from one edge of the grid to the opposite edge and locks in gold when found.

How do you earn hints in Strands?

Find 3 valid words that are not part of the theme. They need to be 4+ letters and real dictionary words. Each set of 3 earns 1 hint that reveals an unfound themed word's letters on the grid.

Is Strands free to play?

Yes. Strands91 is completely free with no account required. Your progress and stats are saved locally in your browser.

Can you play unlimited Strands?

Yes. Strands91 has an unlimited mode with random puzzles from a curated pool. You can play as many as you want without waiting for the next day.

How many words are in each Strands puzzle?

Each puzzle has several themed words plus one spangram. The exact count varies by puzzle, but every letter on the grid belongs to exactly one answer.

Can you play Strands in Spanish?

Yes. Strands91 is available in both English and Spanish. Switch languages using the language toggle in the header.

Strands - Themed Word Search Puzzle | Play Free Online