NYT Strands Hints for August 14, 2026

Strands is a word game where you find words in a grid. You can make words from letters that are up, down, left, right, or diagonal. All letters are used to make words. There is a theme that connects all the answers, and a special word or phrase called the spangram that goes across the grid.
Strands is a game that makes you think. It does not give you a list of words, so it takes a little longer to play.
If you are stuck, we have hints to help you solve the puzzle at your own pace.
The words are about famous discoveries.
These words are about things people invented.
Today's spangram goes up and down.
You can get more news about technology and digital culture in your email or on your device. Sign up for the newsletter or get alerts.
The spangram for today is Inventions.
One answer is Penicillin.
Another answer is Slinky.
The theme is Inventions.
One answer is Plastic.
Another answer is Microwave.
One answer is Velcro.
Meet the people who are making the internet more interesting.
If you want to play more games, we have hints and puzzles. You can find them on our Games page.
We have games like Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords.
If you want yesterday's answers, we have them.
This is about NYT Strands.