For those tackling today’s edition of Strands, The New York Times’ advanced word-search puzzle, we’ve got all the hints and solutions you need to navigate the challenge.

Unlike traditional word searches, Strands introduces a unique twist. Words may be constructed in any directional orientation— horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or even by changing direction mid-word. Each letter in the grid is part of an answer, and all words are connected through a common theme.

Additionally, each puzzle includes a “spangram,” a key word or phrase that encapsulates the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

April 8 NYT Strands Theme and Hints

Theme Clue: Out of this world
Hint for Theme: The words represent movie titles.
Explanation: Today’s puzzle features films that belong to the science fiction genre.
Spangram Hint: The spangram is positioned horizontally.
Spangram Answer: ScienceFiction