Issue #715 Mon 16 Feb
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — February 16, 2026
A gray Sunday morning calls for a quiet cup of coffee and a grid that rewards steady, methodical work. Today's puzzle offers a clean, classic structure for those who prefer their wordplay without the usual morning rush.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Cold air on your face, the sound of steel shaving ice, and a single runner carving a deep arc into the white surface.
Winter sports and athletic performance
WINTER OLYMPIC DISCIPLINE
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
A single compound word
13 letters.
Starts with F, ends with G.
FIGURE SKATING
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (5 letters)
- 2 C (9 letters)
- 3 J (4 letters)
- 4 L (4 letters)
- 5 L (4 letters)
- 6 S (4 letters)
- 7 T (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CO (5 letters)
- 2 CR (9 letters)
- 3 JU (4 letters)
- 4 LI (4 letters)
- 5 LO (4 letters)
- 6 SP (4 letters)
- 7 TH (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Multiple maneuvers performed in quick succession.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COMBO
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
A movement where one leg passes over the other while gliding.
9 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CR.
CROSSOVER
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Leaving the ice entirely to rotate in the air.
4 letters.
Starts with J.
Starts with JU.
JUMP
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Raising a partner high above one's head.
4 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LI.
LIFT
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The path traced by a blade that forms a closed circle.
4 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LO.
LOOP
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Rotating rapidly on a single point of the blade.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SP.
SPIN
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Launching a partner into the air for a height-defying maneuver.
5 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TH.
THROW
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
- COMBO
- CROSSOVER
- JUMP
- LIFT
- LOOP
- SPIN
- THROW
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on February 16, 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 16, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on February 16, 2026?
NYT Strands on February 16, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the February 16, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "F" — 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 16, 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 13-letter spangram