Today's NYT Strands is live for Sunday, February 22, 2026 (Puzzle #721). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.
How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)
Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.
The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.
Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.
Theme Decoder
Today's Theme Prompt: "Olympic wrap-up"
What It Really Means
You're looking for elements and traditions associated with the conclusion of Olympic Games, specifically the closing ceremony and related final events.
Think About...
- Ceremonial elements that mark the end of the Games
- Symbolic objects and traditions from closing events
- Participants and honors from the final celebrations
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Upwards then across to the right then back down
Letter Count: 14 letters
Starting Zone: Third letter of the eighth row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): The formal event that concludes the Olympic Games
Hint 2 (Warmer): Where athletes parade one last time and the Olympic flame is extinguished
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is C, last letter is Y
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CLOSINGCEREMONY
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A symbolic element that burns throughout the Games
Closer: The Olympic version is lit at the opening and extinguished at the closing
Letter Clue: Starts with F, 5 letters total
Answer
FLAME
Word 2
Vague: A procession of participants
Closer: Athletes enter together in this celebratory march
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 6 letters total
Answer
PARADE
Word 3
Vague: A national symbol carried by athletes
Closer: Each country's representation in the closing ceremony
Letter Clue: Starts with F, 4 letters total
Answer
FLAG
Word 4
Vague: The competitors who participate
Closer: Olympic participants from around the world
Letter Clue: Starts with A, 7 letters total
Answer
ATHLETE
Word 5
Vague: An award for achievement
Closer: Olympic recognition for top performances
Letter Clue: Starts with M, 5 letters total
Answer
MEDAL
Word 6
Vague: A musical tribute
Closer: National song played during medal ceremonies
Letter Clue: Starts with A, 6 letters total
Answer
ANTHEM
Full Answers
Spangram: CLOSINGCEREMONY
Theme Words:
- FLAME
- PARADE
- FLAG
- ATHLETE
- MEDAL
- ANTHEM
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: ATHLETE (The 7-letter length and common spelling variations could trip up solvers)
Our Take: A straightforward Olympic-themed puzzle with clear connections to closing ceremony traditions. The spangram's 14-letter length provides a satisfying challenge, while the theme words offer accessible Olympic vocabulary. Solid Sunday puzzle that rewards sports knowledge without being overly obscure.
