Issue #713 Sat 14 Feb
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — February 14, 2026
A Friday grid that rewards a patient hand and a steady eye. The connections here are as familiar as the morning coffee.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A long-distance greeting at the airport gate, where the luggage is heavy but the pace is light.
Physical expressions of affection
AFFECTIONATE GESTURES
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
A three-word phrase that stretches across the board.
13 letters.
Starts with H, ends with S.
HUGS AND KISSES
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (6 letters)
- 2 E (7 letters)
- 3 P (4 letters)
- 4 S (5 letters)
- 5 S (6 letters)
- 6 S (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CU (6 letters)
- 2 EM (7 letters)
- 3 PE (4 letters)
- 4 SM (5 letters)
- 5 SM (6 letters)
- 6 SN (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Pulling a blanket up to your chin while watching a storm from the porch.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CU.
CUDDLE
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A firm hold that says more than a standard handshake ever could.
7 letters.
Starts with E.
Starts with EM.
EMBRACE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The fleeting contact of lips against a cheek before rushing out the door.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PECK
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A loud, playful sound of impact that signals a bit of affection.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMACK
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A lingering, dramatic moment of closeness shared between two people.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMOOCH
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Getting comfortable on the sofa with a book and a heavy quilt.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNUGGLE
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- CUDDLE
- EMBRACE
- PECK
- SMACK
- SMOOCH
- SNUGGLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on February 14, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for February 14, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on February 14, 2026?
NYT Strands on February 14, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the February 14, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "H" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on February 14, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 13-letter spangram