Issue #717 Wed 18 Feb
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — February 18, 2026
The air is crisp and the pace is brisk. A patient grid awaits those ready to navigate the chill.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Frost on the window, the crunch of boots on packed powder, and the sharp bite of wind against a scarf.
Seasonal athletic competition
COLD WEATHER ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
Spangram 4 hints · 12 letters
The connector word
Compound noun
12 letters.
Starts with W, ends with S.
WINTER SPORTS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (7 letters)
- 2 C (7 letters)
- 3 H (6 letters)
- 4 L (4 letters)
- 5 S (12 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BO (7 letters)
- 2 CU (7 letters)
- 3 HO (6 letters)
- 4 LU (4 letters)
- 5 SN (12 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Steering a heavy metal sled through banked ice curves at high velocity.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOBSLED
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Using a broom to sweep the ice so a heavy stone slides toward the target.
7 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CU.
CURLING
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Chasing a puck across the rink while wearing heavy padding and skates.
6 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HO.
HOCKEY
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Lying flat on your back while navigating a steep, frozen chute.
4 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LU.
LUGE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 12 letters
A theme word
Carving down a steep mountain incline while strapped to a wide deck.
12 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SN.
SNOWBOARDING
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
- BOBSLED
- CURLING
- HOCKEY
- LUGE
- SNOWBOARDING
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on February 18, 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 18, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on February 18, 2026?
NYT Strands on February 18, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the February 18, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 12 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "W" — 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 18, 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 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 12-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 12-letter spangram