NYT Strands puzzle #716, published for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, uses the theme clue “The year of the …” The animals of the 12-year cycle celebrated at Lunar New Year are the key. Start with the hints below, then open the spoiler section for the full answer list.
Hints for NYT Strands #716
Use these in order if you want to reveal as little as possible.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Theme clue: “The year of the …”
- More specific hint: Think of the creatures in the 12-year cycle celebrated at Lunar New Year.
- Spangram clue: It has 11 letters and connects the left and right sides of the board, with both endpoints in the fifth row.
For an extra nudge without seeing the theme answers, suggested non-theme words include THOSE, RAGES, SNAG, GAIN, HOARD, and GROAN.
Spoilers: today’s Strands answers
The seven theme words are HORSE, SNAKE, TIGER, MONKEY, RABBIT, DRAGON, and GOAT. The spangram is ZODIACSIGNS.
How to use the hints in Strands
Strands asks you to find theme words on the letter board. As described in Parade’s February 17, 2026 guide, theme words highlight blue and do not overlap; the spangram describes the theme, touches two opposite sides, and highlights yellow. Drag or tap letters to form a word; when tapping, double-tap the final letter. Finding three non-theme words earns a hint: the first reveals the letters of a theme word, and another hint while that one is active reveals their order.
The Word Finder describes the board as six rows by eight columns, with each letter belonging to exactly one theme word. These mechanics are reported by secondary guides; the NYT rules page was not among the sources consulted here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why “today” may not match your date
#716 is the archived puzzle for Tuesday, February 17, 2026—not necessarily the puzzle available when you read this. Strands puzzles appear at midnight in a player’s time zone, so a new puzzle’s “today” label can differ across time zones.
Quick Recap
Sources
- The Word Finder: NYT Strands Hints and Solutions — Feb. 17, 2026
- TechRadar: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, February 17 (game #716)
- Parade: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, Answers for Today, February 17, 2026
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
