Today's NYT Strands is live for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (Puzzle #723). 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: "Just for reference"
What It Really Means
You're looking for reference materials, books, tools, or resources you'd consult when you need to look something up.
Think About...
- Books you'd find in a library reference section
- Resources for finding definitions, synonyms, or information
- Traditional and digital reference tools
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Diagonal and to the upper right
Letter Count: 8 letters
Starting Zone: First letter of the eighth row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): What you might say to someone when they ask a question you don't know the answer to
Hint 2 (Warmer): A casual phrase suggesting someone should research something themselves
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is L, last letter is P
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LOOKITUP
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A comprehensive reference work covering all branches of knowledge
Closer: Multi-volume set organized alphabetically
Letter Clue: Starts with E, 11 letters total
Answer
ENCYCLOPEDIA
Word 2
Vague: A listing of names, addresses, or other information
Closer: Often organized alphabetically or by category
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 9 letters total
Answer
DIRECTORY
Word 3
Vague: A book of synonyms and antonyms
Closer: Helps writers find the perfect word
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 9 letters total
Answer
THESAURUS
Word 4
Vague: The most essential reference book for word definitions
Closer: Alphabetical listing of words with meanings and pronunciations
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 10 letters total
Answer
DICTIONARY
Full Answers
Spangram: LOOKITUP
Theme Words:
- ENCYCLOPEDIA
- DIRECTORY
- THESAURUS
- DICTIONARY
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Trickiest Word: THESAURUS (Some solvers might overlook this classic reference tool)
Our Take: A straightforward reference-themed puzzle with clear connections between words. The spangram "LOOKITUP" perfectly captures the theme's essence. All four words are common reference materials that logically fit together, making this an accessible puzzle for most players.
