NYT Strands Hints Today (February 14, 2026)
Daily Puzzle Solution
XOXOXO
Missed yesterday’s game? See Strands answers for February 13.
Good morning, puzzle lovers! Another day, another tricky board from the NYT. Let’s crack this theme together. If you enjoy word puzzles, Word Finder Tips is your ultimate destination for daily strategies. The theme today is “XOXOXO”. Below you will find a spoiler-free hint analysis followed by the complete solution.
Game Analysis: XOXOXO
Before revealing the answers, let’s analyze the structure of today’s puzzle to help you solve it without spoilers.
| Puzzle Attribute | Data |
|---|---|
| Theme | XOXOXO |
| Total Words | 7 Items |
| Spangram Length | 13 Letters |
| Average Word Length | 6.9 Letters |
| Difficulty Rating | Medium |
General Hints
- Focus on words related to the XOXOXO concept.
- The Spangram spans from one side of the board to the other.
- Check the corners first; they often contain the start or end of theme words.
Today’s Spangram
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
The Spangram
hugsandkisses
Full Answer Key
Here is the complete list of theme words found in the grid:
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
Theme Word
peck
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
Theme Word
smack
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
Theme Word
cuddle
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
Theme Word
smooch
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
Theme Word
embrace
S
G
L
E
H
K
N
G
S
G
U
C
U
E
A
N
M
A
E
M
K
D
S
K
C
B
I
S
C
E
A
R
C
S
P
H
D
D
U
E
C
M
L
E
S
O
O
S
Theme Word
snuggle
Detailed Word Breakdown
To help you understand today’s vocabulary better, here is a breakdown of the words found in the “XOXOXO” theme:
- hugsandkisses: This is the Spangram. It contains 13 letters and starts with ‘h’. It connects the theme directly to the puzzle structure.
- peck: A 4-letter word starting with ‘p’ and ending with ‘k’. It fits the category of “XOXOXO”.
- smack: A 5-letter word starting with ‘s’ and ending with ‘k’. It fits the category of “XOXOXO”.
- cuddle: A 6-letter word starting with ‘c’ and ending with ‘e’. It fits the category of “XOXOXO”.
- smooch: A 6-letter word starting with ‘s’ and ending with ‘h’. It fits the category of “XOXOXO”.
- embrace: A 7-letter word starting with ‘e’ and ending with ‘e’. It fits the category of “XOXOXO”.
- snuggle: A 7-letter word starting with ‘s’ and ending with ‘e’. It fits the category of “XOXOXO”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play NYT Strands?
Find words related to the theme. Connect letters vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
Find words related to the theme. Connect letters vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
What is a Spangram?
It is the special theme word that spans across the entire board, touching two opposite sides.
It is the special theme word that spans across the entire board, touching two opposite sides.
When does the new puzzle come out?
A new puzzle with a new theme is released daily at midnight EST.
A new puzzle with a new theme is released daily at midnight EST.