NYT Strands Hints Today (February 16, 2026)

Daily Puzzle Solution

The cutting edge

NYT Strands Hint Today

Missed yesterday’s game? See Strands answers for February 15.

Today’s puzzle brings a fresh challenge. Below, we’ve broken down every word and the Spangram to help you keep your streak alive. If you enjoy word puzzles, Word Finder Tips is your ultimate destination for daily strategies. The theme today is “The cutting edge”. Below you will find a spoiler-free hint analysis followed by the complete solution.

Game Analysis: The cutting edge

Before revealing the answers, let’s analyze the structure of today’s puzzle to help you solve it without spoilers.

Puzzle Attribute Data
Theme The cutting edge
Total Words 8 Items
Spangram Length 13 Letters
Average Word Length 6 Letters
Difficulty Rating Hard

General Hints

  • Focus on words related to the The cutting edge 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

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
The Spangram
figureskating

Full Answer Key

Here is the complete list of theme words found in the grid:

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
jump

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
throw

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
lift

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
loop

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
spin

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
combo

O
S
V
E
M
P
R
S
O
R
U
I
C
U
R
J
P
N
G
O
O
E
T
S
I
L
P
S
F
W
O
F
K
I
R
O
B
O
A
L
H
T
M
C
T
I
N
G
Theme Word
crossover

Detailed Word Breakdown

To help you understand today’s vocabulary better, here is a breakdown of the words found in the “The cutting edge” theme:

  • figureskating: This is the Spangram. It contains 13 letters and starts with ‘f’. It connects the theme directly to the puzzle structure.
  • jump: A 4-letter word starting with ‘j’ and ending with ‘p’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.
  • throw: A 5-letter word starting with ‘t’ and ending with ‘w’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.
  • lift: A 4-letter word starting with ‘l’ and ending with ‘t’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.
  • loop: A 4-letter word starting with ‘l’ and ending with ‘p’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.
  • spin: A 4-letter word starting with ‘s’ and ending with ‘n’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.
  • combo: A 5-letter word starting with ‘c’ and ending with ‘o’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.
  • crossover: A 9-letter word starting with ‘c’ and ending with ‘r’. It fits the category of “The cutting edge”.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play NYT Strands?
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.
When does the new puzzle come out?
A new puzzle with a new theme is released daily at midnight EST.

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