Strands · Hints and answers
Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tuesday's Strands board has four theme words plus a 8-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "Just for reference". The ladder below climbs from the theme to the spangram - take one hint at a time.
Hints, in order
Hint 0 of 3Tap to show one hint at a time.
Hint 1 of 3
The NYT clue is "Just for reference" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 8 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.
Hint 2 of 3
The four theme words run 9 to 12 letters (lengths: 9, 9, 10, 12). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.
Hint 3 of 3
The spangram starts with L and ends with P. It is LOOKITUP - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.
Spangram and theme words
The spangram first, then all four theme words.
SPANGRAM
LOOKITUP
DICTIONARYTheme word
DIRECTORYTheme word
ENCYCLOPEDIATheme word
THESAURUSTheme word
Next on the board
NYT Mini Crossword →
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