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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Friday, February 20, 2026, NYT Strands puzzle is game #719, with the theme “True grit.” For a spoiler-light nudge, the theme hint is: “You might find this in a wood shop.”
Hints for Strands #719
The theme points to something found in a wood shop. The spangram names the material that connects the theme words.
NYT Strands answers for February 20
Theme: True grit
Spangram: SANDPAPER
Theme words:
- COARSE
- HARSH
- SCRATCHY
- ROUGH
- PRICKLY
- ABRASIVE
How the Strands board works
Players form words by dragging or tapping letters. Theme words are highlighted in blue and fill the board without overlapping. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board; it can sometimes be made of two words. Finding three non-theme words earns a hint. These mechanics are reproduced from the New York Times instructions in Parade’s guide.
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