NYT Strands Answers for Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (#717)

The Wednesday, February 18, 2026, NYT Strands puzzle is game #717, with the theme “Cold competition.” Want a nudge before the answers? Think of athletic events played on snow or ice.

Hints for Strands #717

The theme points to winter sports. The 12-letter spangram names the broader category.

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4		KAPPA Super Saver LARGE PRINT Word Search Puzzle Pack - (Pack of 6) Full Size Books	$15.99	Buy on Amazon
5		Large Print Word Search Puzzles Volume 2: Over 200 Puzzles to Complete with Solutions - Include...	$9.31	Buy on Amazon

NYT Strands answers for February 18

Spangram: WINTERSPORTS

• LUGE
• BOBSLED
• SNOWBOARDING
• HOCKEY
• CURLING

For this archived puzzle, the date and game number identify the board directly. Strands puzzles appear at midnight in each time zone, so a page labeled “today” may refer to a different date depending on where you are. TechRadar notes the midnight-by-time-zone schedule.

How the answers fit the theme

WINTERSPORTS is the spangram, and the five remaining words name sports associated with winter conditions: luge, bobsled, snowboarding, hockey, and curling. The theme clue is “Cold competition.”

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