Strands Hint

NYT Strands Hints & Answers for February 12, 2026 (Puzzle #881)

Puzzle #881Thu, Feb 12, 20265 theme wordsSpangram: 10 lettersTheme: Sink or swim

Puzzle #881 (February 12, 2026) had the theme “Sink or swim”. Its spangram was HIGHSTAKES — a single 10-letter word, running top to bottom.

Start with a nudge

Word-by-word hints

Each card reveals only what you ask it for — a clue, the first letter, where the word sits, or the whole answer.

Word 18 letters

Word 28 letters

Word 310 letters

Word 47 letters

Word 55 letters

Today’s board

MPHECEIEIVIDARGISLTEHSAIIVRTCTKSIAKIYPOAERIVTLSC

Theme wordSpangramReveal to number each word in order

Full answer list

Show every answer for February 12, 2026

Spangram HIGHSTAKES

  • CRITICAL
  • DECISIVE
  • IMPERATIVE
  • PIVOTAL
  • RISKY