Written by Alex Rhodes
Wordle Hints Today: October 7, 2026
Wordle Hints Today is a daily NYT Wordle companion that reveals the day's puzzle one step at a time — letter clues first, then a definition, then the full answer — so you get exactly as much help as you need without spoiling the solve.
Every page updates with the day's difficulty score and a lookup of past puzzles.
1Today's Wordle at a Glance
The board fills in as you open clues below. Nothing here gives the word away.
·····
- Puzzle
- #1936
- Date
- Wednesday, Oct 7
- Difficulty
- 5.0 / 6 (Hard)
- Versus the last 30 days
- +0.6 guesses
- Harder than
- 90% of past puzzles
- Guesses allowed
- 6
2Today's Wordle Hints, Grouped by How Much They Reveal
Start with the word's shape, move on to individual letters, and only then look at the meaning. Each clue stays closed until you open it, and the board at the top fills in as you go.
Level 1: the shape of the word
How many vowels are in today's Wordle?
Just two vowels. The other three letters are consonants.
Does today's Wordle repeat a letter?
No. All five letters are different.
Level 2: the letters
Which letter does today's Wordle start with?
It starts with P.
Which letter ends today's Wordle?
It ends with E, and the word is a verb. The shape is now P _ _ _ E.
What is the second letter of today's Wordle?
The second letter is R, so the shape is P R _ _ E.
Level 3: the meaning
What does today's Wordle word mean?
It means to show that something is true, usually by giving evidence or passing a test.
Bonus: picture clue for puzzle #1936
🔬
A scientist checks the final result of an experiment, and the data backs up the original idea.
3What Is Today's Wordle Answer?
Last stop. Tap a tile for one letter, or show the whole word.
PROVE means to show that something is true, or to establish it with evidence. Other common words share its PR start and E finish, such as PRIDE, PRIME and PRONE, so those letters alone can still leave several options.
- NYT tester average
- 5.0 / 6
- WordleBot, Easy mode
- 4.0 / 6
- WordleBot, Hard mode
- 4.1 / 6
4How Hard Is Today's Wordle? Difficulty Compared With the Usual
Rated 5.0 out of 6, which this site classes as Hard. For context, the 118 puzzles since June 11 averaged 4.19, and the latest 30 averaged 4.44.
5.0
13.74.55.06
Easy: 1.0 to 3.6Medium: 3.7 to 4.4Medium+: 4.5 to 4.9Hard: 5.0 to 6.0
Where the 118 past puzzles fall
Today is harder than 90% of those puzzles and easier than 9%. PROVE is a familiar word with ordinary letters and no repeats, so the mechanics are friendly. What costs guesses is the P R _ _ E frame: PRIDE, PRIME, PRONE and PROBE all fit it, so the middle letters decide everything and a wrong pick can burn a row.
What the numbers mean
The scale runs from 1 to 6, matching the guesses allowed. A 6 means the average player used every attempt; a 7 would mean the puzzle went unsolved.
- 1 Very easy: typically solved in one or two guesses.
- 2 Easy: a simple word that most players crack by guess three.
- 3 Medium: a middle-of-the-road puzzle, usually done in three or four.
- 4 Medium+: few vowels or a doubled letter make it trickier.
- 5 Hard: an odd letter pattern where a strong opener really helps.
- 6 Very hard: most players spend every guess they have.
5Yesterday's Wordle: October 6, 2026 (Puzzle #1935)
The clues come first, so players in other time zones who have not played yet are not spoiled. The answer follows below them.
Hints for puzzle #1935
- It used just one vowel, I, and no letter repeated.
- It started with D and ended with Y, giving the frame D _ _ _ Y.
- The second letter was I, so the pattern read D I _ _ Y.
- It describes something done in a faint or unclear way, often with little light.
Yesterday's answer
DIMLY
DIMLY, puzzle #1935 Medium
Yesterday's difficulty scores
4.3
13.74.55.06
Easy: 1.0 to 3.6Medium: 3.7 to 4.4Medium+: 4.5 to 4.9Hard: 5.0 to 6.0
- NYT testers
- 4.3
- WordleBot Easy
- 3.3
- WordleBot Hard
- 3.4
A single vowel and an ordinary -LY ending kept this one in mid-range Medium territory. The letters were friendly, but several words fit the D _ _ _ Y outline.
Yesterday's Wordle Answer: Full Hints, Solution & Difficulty Breakdown
6Has This Word Already Been a Wordle Answer?
Type a five-letter word, or a pattern with underscores such as S_A_E, to check it against every answer since June 11, 2026. Today's answer is not included.
Or look up a single day, including today (the answer stays hidden until you reveal it)
7Past Wordle Answers: Every Puzzle Since June 11, 2026
Wordle rarely repeats a word, so this list helps you rule out answers already used. Open a month for each day's word, NYT score, class and meaning.
October 2026: 6 answers
DatePuzzleAnswerNYT scoreClassMeaning and notes
6 Oct#1935DIMLY4.3MediumIn a faint or unclear way, with little light. Often used for a dimly lit room or a dimly remembered event. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
5 Oct#1934MOCHA3.8MediumA coffee drink flavoured with chocolate; also a dark brown colour. Named after the Yemeni port of Mocha, once a major coffee trading hub. It holds 2 vowels (A, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 2.8, Hard 2.9.
4 Oct#1933SHACK4.3MediumA roughly built hut or cabin. Typically a one-room structure, the kind found on remote plots or in rough camps. It holds 1 vowel (A) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
3 Oct#1932PEEVE5.3HardA small, persistent annoyance; also to irritate. Usually met in the phrase "pet peeve", something that reliably gets under your skin. It holds 3 vowels (E) and 2 consonants; E appears three times, leaving 3 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.3; WordleBot Easy 4.3, Hard 4.4.
2 Oct#1931USURY4.8Medium+Lending money at an unfairly high interest rate. Historically condemned and still limited in many places by caps on interest. It holds 2 vowels (U) and 3 consonants; U appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because U repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.8; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.9.
1 Oct#1930RITZY5.3HardInformal: glamorous and expensive-looking. Takes its name from the Ritz hotels, a byword for luxury. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 5.3; WordleBot Easy 4.3, Hard 4.4.
September 2026: 30 answers
DatePuzzleAnswerNYT scoreClassMeaning and notes
30 Sep#1929RIVER5.5HardA large natural stream flowing to a sea, lake or another river. Gathers water from smaller streams on its way to the sea. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; R appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because R repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.5; WordleBot Easy 4.5, Hard 4.6.
29 Sep#1928SCUBA4.7Medium+Portable underwater breathing gear, or diving with it. Began as an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and is now an everyday word. It holds 2 vowels (A, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
28 Sep#1927TRUNK4.0MediumA tree's main stem, a car's rear storage space, or a torso. One word with three unrelated everyday uses: tree, car and body. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
27 Sep#1926SLOOP4.3MediumA small sailing boat with one mast. A nautical term that rarely comes up in everyday conversation. It holds 2 vowels (O) and 3 consonants; O appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because O repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
26 Sep#1925ELEGY4.0MediumA sorrowful poem or song, often mourning someone who has died. Often written for a funeral; the form has a long literary history. It holds 2 vowels (E) and 3 consonants; E appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
25 Sep#1924COPSE4.0MediumA small cluster of trees. A rural word, more at home in countryside writing than in conversation. It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
24 Sep#1923MESSY5.3HardUntidy, disordered or dirty. Covers anything from a cluttered desk to a tangled situation. It holds 1 vowel (E) and 4 consonants; S appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because S repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.3; WordleBot Easy 4.3, Hard 4.4.
23 Sep#1922FORTH4.7Medium+Onward or forward, as in "back and forth". Most familiar from "back and forth" and old-fashioned phrases like "set forth". It holds 1 vowel (O) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
22 Sep#1921STOKE4.5Medium+To feed a fire, or to stir up a feeling. Used literally for fires and boilers, figuratively for excitement or anger. It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
21 Sep#1920PAGER5.3HardA small device that beeps or buzzes with a short message. Once a workplace staple, still used by doctors and on-call staff. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 5.3; WordleBot Easy 4.3, Hard 4.4.
20 Sep#1919SHONE4.0MediumPast tense of "shine": gave off light. An irregular past tense that is often mistyped as "shined". It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
19 Sep#1918WAKEN4.0MediumTo rouse from sleep. Found mostly in literary or traditional phrasing. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
18 Sep#1917SNOWY4.7Medium+Covered in snow or full of it. Describes landscapes, forecasts and even owls. It holds 1 vowel (O) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
17 Sep#1916THETA4.0MediumThe eighth letter of the Greek alphabet. Used in maths and science for angles and variables. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; T appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because T repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
16 Sep#1915WISPY4.3MediumThin, light and delicate. Fits a faint strand of hair, smoke or cloud. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
15 Sep#1914DEALT4.5Medium+Past tense of "deal": handed out or handled. An irregular past tense that is easy to confuse with a regular ending. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
14 Sep#1913RINSE4.0MediumTo wash with clean water to remove soap or dirt. Often the last step of washing hair or dishes. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
13 Sep#1912FOCUS4.0MediumThe centre of attention, or sharpness of sight or thought. Works in optics, photography and attention alike. It holds 2 vowels (O, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
12 Sep#1911NIFTY4.5Medium+Clever, handy or stylish. Informal praise for something handy or clever. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
11 Sep#1910ASTER4.0MediumA daisy-like flower with star-shaped blooms. Blooms in late summer and autumn. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
10 Sep#1909DRYLY3.4EasyIn a deadpan, matter-of-fact way. Often describes a witty remark delivered without a smile. It has no standard vowels, so Y does the vowel work; Y appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because Y repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.4; WordleBot Easy 2.4, Hard 2.5.
9 Sep#1908BURST4.7Medium+To break open suddenly, or to appear all at once. Covers a balloon, a pipe and a sudden arrival. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
8 Sep#1907LIVEN4.3MediumTo make more lively or interesting. Often paired with "up", as in livening up a dull party. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
7 Sep#1906BLIND4.8Medium+Unable to see; also unaware of something. Appears in "blind date", "blind faith" and "blind spot". It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.8; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.9.
6 Sep#1905BEIGE6.0HardA pale, sandy colour. Common in fashion and interiors as a safe neutral shade. It holds 3 vowels (E, I) and 2 consonants; E appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 6.0; WordleBot Easy 5.0, Hard 5.1.
5 Sep#1904SOUPY4.7Medium+Thick and watery like soup; also foggy. Can describe fog, mud or sentimental writing as well as food. It holds 2 vowels (O, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
4 Sep#1903WAGER4.0MediumA bet; something staked on an uncertain result. Close in meaning to "bet" or "stake". It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
3 Sep#1902JOIST4.8Medium+A horizontal beam that supports a floor or ceiling. A rare word to meet outside building work. It holds 2 vowels (I, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.8; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.9.
2 Sep#1901RULER4.7Medium+A person who governs, or a straight-edged measuring tool. Both a person in charge and the tool in a pencil case. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; R appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because R repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
1 Sep#1900REMIX4.7Medium+A reworked version of a piece of music. Works as both noun and verb, widely used in music and design. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
August 2026: 31 answers
DatePuzzleAnswerNYT scoreClassMeaning and notes
31 Aug#1899MOUND4.5Medium+A rounded heap of earth; also a pitcher's raised spot. Think burial mound, ant mound or a baseball pitcher's mound. It holds 2 vowels (O, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
30 Aug#1898INTEL4.5Medium+Informal for gathered intelligence or information. Short for intelligence, often in a military or strategic setting. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.5.
29 Aug#1897BLOOD4.0MediumThe fluid that circulates through the body. The root of many phrases, from "blood sport" to "new blood". It holds 2 vowels (O) and 3 consonants; O appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because O repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
28 Aug#1896TWEEN4.7Medium+A child between childhood and the teenage years. Shorthand for the years between childhood and the teens. It holds 2 vowels (E) and 3 consonants; E appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 3.6, Hard 3.7.
27 Aug#1895UNCUT3.6MediumNot trimmed or edited; whole. Applied to films, gems and unedited footage. It holds 2 vowels (U) and 3 consonants; U appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because U repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
26 Aug#1894CAPON5.7Medium+A castrated, fattened male chicken. A rich, tender meat associated with traditional cooking. It holds 2 vowels (A, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 5.7; WordleBot Easy 4.2, Hard 4.0.
25 Aug#1893CLICK4.7Medium+A short, sharp sound; also pressing a button or mouse. Describes both the sound and the act of pressing a button. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; C appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because C repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 4.1, Hard 4.1.
24 Aug#1892RUNNY4.4MediumThin and flowing, like a runny nose or egg. Common with eggs, noses and thin sauces. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; N appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because N repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.4; WordleBot Easy 4.2, Hard 4.1.
23 Aug#1891OLDEN3.8MediumBelonging to a bygone age. Mostly survives in the phrase "in olden days". It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.7.
22 Aug#1890PRAWN3.6MediumA shrimp-like edible shellfish. Menus in Britain and Australia use it far more than "shrimp". It holds 1 vowel (A) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
21 Aug#1889TRACE3.5MediumTo follow back to a source; also a faint sign. A verb for following something and a noun for a small amount. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.5; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
20 Aug#1888MURKY4.6HardDark, cloudy and hard to see through. Fits muddy water, foggy weather and unclear details. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.6; WordleBot Easy 4.1, Hard 4.2.
19 Aug#1887GRILL3.8MediumTo cook over direct heat; also to question hard. Used for cooking over flame and for tough questioning. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; L appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because L repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
18 Aug#1886STRIP3.7MediumA narrow band; or to remove a covering. Seen in comic strips, landing strips and removing layers. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.7; WordleBot Easy 3.2, Hard 3.3.
17 Aug#1885TRIBE3.3EasyA community sharing ancestry, culture and ties. Also used loosely for any close-knit group with shared interests. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.3; WordleBot Easy 2.9, Hard 3.0.
16 Aug#1884ASPIC3.6EasyA savoury jelly made from seasoned stock. A classic of French cooking, rarely seen at home today. It holds 2 vowels (A, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
15 Aug#1883LOOSE3.5MediumNot firmly fixed or held tightly. Also a verb, meaning to release or let go. It holds 3 vowels (E, O) and 2 consonants; O appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because O repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.5; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
14 Aug#1882GEODE3.9MediumA hollow rock lined with crystals. Plain outside, sparkling inside once split open. It holds 3 vowels (E, O) and 2 consonants; E appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.5.
13 Aug#1881CRASH3.2EasyA violent collision, or a sudden system failure. Covers cars, computers and markets. It holds 1 vowel (A) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.2; WordleBot Easy 2.8, Hard 2.9.
12 Aug#1880WIMPY3.6MediumWeak or timid (informal). A teasing word for someone seen as timid. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
11 Aug#1879FENCE3.5MediumA barrier marking a boundary; also to sell stolen goods. A boundary structure, and slang for someone who resells stolen goods. It holds 2 vowels (E) and 3 consonants; E appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.5; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
10 Aug#1878SNIPE3.4EasyA long-billed wading bird; also to shoot from hiding or criticise snidely. The bird that gave its name to "sniper". It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.4; WordleBot Easy 2.9, Hard 3.0.
9 Aug#1877CLUNK3.8MediumA dull, heavy thud. Imitates the sound of heavy metal knocking against metal. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
8 Aug#1876PRIVY3.7MediumSharing secret knowledge ("privy to"); also an outdoor toilet. Mostly seen in "privy to", meaning in on a secret. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.7; WordleBot Easy 3.2, Hard 3.3.
7 Aug#1875FEIGN3.9MediumTo pretend to feel or have something. Often used with surprise, illness or ignorance. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.5.
6 Aug#1874GRIPE3.6MediumA minor complaint; to complain. Works as both noun and verb. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
5 Aug#1873POSIT3.8MediumTo put forward as a basis for argument. Common in academic and philosophical writing. It holds 2 vowels (I, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
4 Aug#1872MOTIF3.5EasyA recurring theme or pattern in a work. Appears in music, literature, art and fashion design. It holds 2 vowels (I, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.5; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
3 Aug#1871REPLY3.4MediumTo answer; a response. The label on the button in every email app. It holds 1 vowel (E) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.4; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
2 Aug#1870PENAL3.9MediumRelating to punishment under the law. Seen in "penal code" and "penal colony". It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.5.
1 Aug#1869SLUSH3.7MediumHalf-melted snow; also an icy sweet drink. Half-melted snow on roads, and a sweet frozen drink. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; S appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because S repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.7; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
July 2026: 31 answers
DatePuzzleAnswerNYT scoreClassMeaning and notes
31 Jul#1868PURSE3.1Easy-MediumA small bag for money; also a prize sum. Another meaning is a prize in a sporting contest. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.1; WordleBot Easy 2.8, Hard 2.9.
30 Jul#1867FLUME4.0MediumA narrow channel that carries water. Used for log chutes, irrigation channels and water-park slides. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
29 Jul#1866VALVE4.1MediumA device that controls the flow of liquid or gas. Turns up in plumbing, engines and the human heart. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; V appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because V repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.1; WordleBot Easy 3.6, Hard 3.7.
28 Jul#1865SONAR3.2EasyFinding underwater objects by bouncing sound off them. Used by ships, submarines and marine researchers. It holds 2 vowels (A, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.2; WordleBot Easy 2.8, Hard 2.9.
27 Jul#1864POSER3.3EasyA hard question; also someone who acts affectedly. Both a tricky puzzle and someone acting for effect. It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.3; WordleBot Easy 2.9, Hard 3.0.
26 Jul#1863GRAPE3.4Easy-MediumA small sweet berry that grows in clusters on vines. Eaten fresh, dried into raisins or pressed for juice and wine. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.4; WordleBot Easy 3.0, Hard 3.1.
25 Jul#1862ALOHA3.6Easy-MediumA Hawaiian greeting and farewell. Carries warmth and hospitality in Hawaiian culture. It holds 3 vowels (A, O) and 2 consonants; A appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because A repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.2, Hard 3.3.
24 Jul#1861PUTTY3.9MediumA soft, mouldable paste for filling gaps. Also the stretchy toy known as Silly Putty. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; T appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because T repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
23 Jul#1860ORBIT3.8MediumThe curved path of one body around another in space. Used for satellites and planets, and figuratively for staying close to someone. It holds 2 vowels (I, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
22 Jul#1859LORRY4.0MediumBritish word for a large goods truck. The usual British word where Americans say truck. It holds 1 vowel (O) and 4 consonants; R appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because R repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.6, Hard 3.7.
21 Jul#1858SHILL4.3Medium+Someone paid to promote something without saying so; to promote. Often used for hidden paid promoters. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; L appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because L repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.9.
20 Jul#1857DIVER3.5MediumOne who dives, for sport or work. Covers competitive athletes and scuba or deep-sea workers. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.5; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.3.
19 Jul#1856CHURN3.5MediumTo stir cream into butter; also to move turbulently. Also used in business for customers leaving a service. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.5; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.3.
18 Jul#1855BOOTH4.2MediumA small enclosed stall or compartment. Seen at fairs, polling stations and restaurants. It holds 2 vowels (O) and 3 consonants; O appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because O repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.2; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
17 Jul#1854LEGAL4.6MediumAllowed or required by law. Appears in legal action, legal rights and legal tender. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; L appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because L repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.6; WordleBot Easy 4.0, Hard 4.1.
16 Jul#1853BUTTE4.4Medium+A steep-sided, flat-topped hill standing alone. Typical of the American West and the name of a Montana city. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; T appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because T repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.4; WordleBot Easy 3.9, Hard 4.0.
15 Jul#1852PSHAW5.3HardAn old-fashioned cry of impatience or scorn. Found in Victorian and early twentieth-century fiction. It holds 1 vowel (A) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 5.3; WordleBot Easy 4.8, Hard 4.9.
14 Jul#1851STEAK4.1MediumA thick cut of meat or fish. Easily mixed up with its anagram STAKE. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.1; WordleBot Easy 3.6, Hard 3.7.
13 Jul#1850STOUT4.5Medium+Heavily built; brave; or a dark beer. Three unrelated senses: stocky build, brave attitude and dark beer. It holds 2 vowels (O, U) and 3 consonants; T appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because T repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 4.0, Hard 4.1.
12 Jul#1849CLACK5.2HardA short, sharp snapping sound. Typewriter keys and heels on hard floors both clack. It holds 1 vowel (A) and 4 consonants; C appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because C repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.2; WordleBot Easy 4.7, Hard 4.8.
11 Jul#1848AVIAN4.6Medium+Relating to birds. Common in nature writing, as in avian flu. It holds 3 vowels (A, I) and 2 consonants; A appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because A repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.6; WordleBot Easy 4.1, Hard 4.2.
10 Jul#1847CANAL4.2MediumA man-made waterway. Famous examples include Panama and Suez; there are also anatomical canals. It holds 2 vowels (A) and 3 consonants; A appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because A repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.2; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
9 Jul#1846AMEND4.3MediumTo change something to improve or correct it. Mostly used for bills, constitutions and contracts. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
8 Jul#1845DEMON4.3MediumAn evil spirit; informally, a person of great skill. Informally praises someone exceptionally skilled. It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
7 Jul#1844SLING4.3MediumA strap for hurling stones or supporting an arm; to throw. Also a bandage that supports an injured arm. It holds 1 vowel (I) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.9.
6 Jul#1843TODDY5.0HardA hot drink of spirits, sugar and spice. Traditionally a cold-weather comfort drink. It holds 1 vowel (O) and 4 consonants; D appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because D repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.0; WordleBot Easy 4.5, Hard 4.6.
5 Jul#1842SWAMI4.7Medium+A Hindu religious teacher. Also used loosely for anyone seen as all-knowing. It holds 2 vowels (A, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 4.2, Hard 4.3.
4 Jul#1841PIZZA4.8Medium+A baked Italian dish of flat dough with toppings. Traces its roots to Naples. It holds 2 vowels (A, I) and 3 consonants; Z appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because Z repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.8; WordleBot Easy 4.3, Hard 4.4.
3 Jul#1840BATON4.2MediumA thin stick, as used by a conductor or relay runner. Passed between runners in a relay race. It holds 2 vowels (A, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.2; WordleBot Easy 3.6, Hard 3.7.
2 Jul#1839MAVEN4.0MediumAn expert or enthusiast. Often used as "fashion maven" or "tech maven". It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
1 Jul#1838DEMUR4.6Medium+To raise a polite objection. Often a polite, reserved way of saying no. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.6; WordleBot Easy 4.1, Hard 4.2.
June 2026: 20 answers
DatePuzzleAnswerNYT scoreClassMeaning and notes
30 Jun#1837PUPPY5.1HardA young dog. Also informally a young, inexperienced person. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; P appears three times, leaving 3 distinct letters. Because P repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.1; WordleBot Easy 4.6, Hard 4.8.
29 Jun#1836CRUDE3.7MediumRaw and unrefined; also rude. Crude oil is oil in its raw state. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.7; WordleBot Easy 3.2, Hard 3.3.
28 Jun#1835EMCEE4.5Medium+A host who introduces acts at an event. Spells out the initials MC, for master of ceremonies. It holds 3 vowels (E) and 2 consonants; E appears three times, leaving 3 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 4.0, Hard 4.1.
27 Jun#1834SCOOP4.2Medium+A deep-bowled tool; also an exclusive news story. In journalism, a story you get before anyone else. It holds 2 vowels (O) and 3 consonants; O appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because O repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.2; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
26 Jun#1833ACUTE3.6MediumSharp or severe; also an angle under 90 degrees. Used in medicine for conditions that arrive quickly and sharply. It holds 3 vowels (A, E, U) and 2 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.6; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
25 Jun#1832SPINE3.9MediumThe backbone; also a book's edge. Also the sharp point on a hedgehog or cactus. It holds 2 vowels (E, I) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.5.
24 Jun#1831QUEER4.7Medium+Strange or unusual; also an identity term used by many LGBTQ+ people. Once mainly an insult, now widely reclaimed as an identity term. It holds 3 vowels (E, U) and 2 consonants; E appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because E repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.7; WordleBot Easy 4.1, Hard 4.2.
23 Jun#1830CURRY4.4Medium+A spiced dish; to "curry favour" is to seek approval. Also a verb for grooming horses. It holds 1 vowel (U) and 4 consonants; R appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because R repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.4; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.7.
22 Jun#1829OVATE4.0MediumEgg-shaped. Mostly met in biology, describing leaves. It holds 3 vowels (A, E, O) and 2 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.5, Hard 3.6.
21 Jun#1828ALIBI4.6Medium+Proof of being elsewhere when a crime happened. Also loosely used for any excuse. It holds 3 vowels (A, I) and 2 consonants; I appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because I repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.6; WordleBot Easy 4.0, Hard 4.1.
20 Jun#1827DRAKE3.9MediumA male duck. Also a literary name for a dragon. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
19 Jun#1826EMOJI4.5Medium+A small digital icon that expresses an idea or feeling. Now part of everyday written communication. It holds 3 vowels (E, I, O) and 2 consonants; no letter repeats. The letters are familiar but the pattern is easy to misjudge. NYT testers averaged 4.5; WordleBot Easy 3.9, Hard 4.0.
18 Jun#1825ENTRY3.8MediumThe act of going in; also an item in a record. Covers a doorway, a diary note and a contest submission. It holds 1 vowel (E) and 4 consonants; no letter repeats. With so few vowels, vowel-heavy openers reveal little. NYT testers averaged 3.8; WordleBot Easy 3.2, Hard 3.3.
17 Jun#1824TOKEN3.7MediumA small object that stands for something else. Can be a game coin or a small symbolic gesture. It holds 2 vowels (E, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.7; WordleBot Easy 3.1, Hard 3.2.
16 Jun#1823AMAZE4.3Medium+To fill with great surprise. Something that amazes you leaves you briefly lost for words. It holds 3 vowels (A, E) and 2 consonants; A appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because A repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.3; WordleBot Easy 3.7, Hard 3.8.
15 Jun#1822BROIL3.9MediumTo cook with intense heat from above. The American word for what Britons call grilling. It holds 2 vowels (I, O) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 3.9; WordleBot Easy 3.3, Hard 3.4.
14 Jun#1821SEPIA4.0MediumA reddish-brown colour, as in old photographs. Also the ink of a cuttlefish. It holds 3 vowels (A, E, I) and 2 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 4.0; WordleBot Easy 3.4, Hard 3.5.
13 Jun#1820QUELL5.1HardTo put an end to or calm. Often paired with a riot, a fear or a rumour. It holds 2 vowels (E, U) and 3 consonants; L appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because L repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 5.1; WordleBot Easy 4.5, Hard 4.6.
12 Jun#1819BREAK2.8EasyTo split into pieces; also a pause. Means both to shatter and a short rest. It holds 2 vowels (A, E) and 3 consonants; no letter repeats. Common letters in a standard layout kept it approachable. NYT testers averaged 2.8; WordleBot Easy 2.3, Hard 2.4.
11 Jun#1818TESTY4.4Medium+Easily irritated. A testy person is quick to lose patience. It holds 1 vowel (E) and 4 consonants; T appears twice, leaving 4 distinct letters. Because T repeats, finding it once does not show how many slots it fills. NYT testers averaged 4.4; WordleBot Easy 3.8, Hard 3.9.
8What 118 Past Answers Tell Us
Counted directly from the archive above. The sample is small, so read these as tendencies rather than rules.
Most common first letters
| Letter | Answers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| S | 19 | 16% |
| P | 12 | 10% |
| C | 10 | 8% |
| B | 9 | 8% |
| T | 8 | 7% |
| A | 8 | 7% |
Most common last letters
| Letter | Answers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| E | 25 | 21% |
| Y | 22 | 19% |
| N | 13 | 11% |
| R | 10 | 8% |
| L | 8 | 7% |
| K | 7 | 6% |
Letters found in most answers
| Letter | Answers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| E | 59 | 50% |
| R | 40 | 34% |
| A | 37 | 31% |
| I | 36 | 31% |
| S | 36 | 31% |
| O | 33 | 28% |
Vowel counts (Y not counted): 0 vowels in 1 answers, 1 vowel in 35 answers, 2 vowels in 68 answers, 3 vowels in 14 answers. A repeated letter appeared in 43 of 118 answers (36%).
Hardest answers so far
| Answer | Date | NYT |
|---|---|---|
| BEIGE | 6 Sep | 6.0 |
| CAPON | 26 Aug | 5.7 |
| RIVER | 30 Sep | 5.5 |
| PEEVE | 3 Oct | 5.3 |
| RITZY | 1 Oct | 5.3 |
| MESSY | 24 Sep | 5.3 |
Easiest answers so far
| Answer | Date | NYT |
|---|---|---|
| BREAK | 12 Jun | 2.8 |
| PURSE | 31 Jul | 3.1 |
| CRASH | 13 Aug | 3.2 |
| SONAR | 28 Jul | 3.2 |
| TRIBE | 17 Aug | 3.3 |
| POSER | 27 Jul | 3.3 |
Average NYT score by weekday
| Day | Puzzles | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 17 | 4.05 |
| Tuesday | 17 | 4.24 |
| Wednesday | 16 | 4.47 |
| Thursday | 17 | 4.14 |
| Friday | 17 | 4.02 |
| Saturday | 17 | 4.20 |
| Sunday | 17 | 4.24 |
9Best Wordle Starting Words, Tested Against Past Answers
Your opening guess shapes the whole game more than most players realise. A good one tests common vowels and consonants together so that a single attempt tells you as much as possible. These six work well, and below them each was scored against all 118 past answers on this page.
| Word | Why it works |
|---|---|
| CRANE | Tests C, R, N, A and E in one go. R sits in more than a quarter of answers, and WordleBot itself opens with this word, which makes it a trusted default. |
| SLATE | Spreads three frequent consonants (S, L, T) across the two commonest vowels (A, E). It scores near the top in most opener rankings. |
| SAUCY | Works best as a partner for CRANE: between them the two words cover a wide spread of common letters across just two rows. |
| STARE | The same five letters as SLATE in a different order. Analyses suggest it helps many players finish in under four guesses. |
| AUDIO | Checks four vowels at once so you learn early where the vowels sit. It says little about consonants but clears away a large share of candidates. |
| RAISE | Covers R, A, I, S and E. S appears in roughly a third of answers, so RAISE is a dependable, information-rich opener. |
In the table below, "letters found" counts how many of an opener's five letters appear anywhere in the answer, and "greens" counts letters in exactly the right slot. The last column adds the best follow-up from a short list of candidates that share no letters with the opener.
| Opener | Letters found | Greens | 3+ found | Best follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRANE | 1.61 | 0.59 | 19% | MOIST (2.90 of 10) |
| SLATE | 1.64 | 0.65 | 13% | ROUND (2.90 of 10) |
| STARE | 1.72 | 0.54 | 20% | PHONY (2.81 of 10) |
| RAISE | 1.76 | 0.54 | 20% | PHONY (2.84 of 10) |
| AUDIO | 1.25 | 0.25 | 1% | CHEST (2.57 of 10) |
| SAUCY | 1.20 | 0.55 | 8% | GLINT (2.39 of 10) |
How to pick a good second word
Your second guess should use entirely new letters, because repeating a tested letter wastes an attempt. After CRANE or SLATE, PHONY is a sound follow-up: Y is common in the final slot, and P, H, O, N and Y overlap with neither opener. If your first guess came back with no green or yellow tiles, ROUND or CHIMP bring in fresh letters.
Quick strategy tips
- Use guess one to gather evidence. Its job is to collect letters, not to name the answer.
- Never reuse a grey letter. Grey means the letter is not in the word.
- Move yellow letters. Yellow means the letter is in the word, just in the wrong place.
- Think in word endings. Chunks such as -IGHT, -OUND, -ATCH and -URN can narrow the field faster than single letters.
- Play a splitting guess. With two or three candidates left, use a word that tells them apart, even if it cannot be the answer.
- Allow for doubles. If four letters are fixed and nothing fits, the fifth may repeat one you already have, as in CURRY or ALIBI.
Note: Sometimes a genuine candidate also works as an eliminating guess. If it rules out every other option, you can finish in two tries.
Common patterns to look out for
In the archive on this page, 43 of 118 answers (36%) contain a repeated letter, with words like SPEED, GRASS and CURRY as typical examples. If you have four letters confirmed and the word still will not come together, try doubling one you already found.
Letter pairs such as CH, PH and QU also turn up more often than you would expect, so test for them early. The answer list also leans towards words people actually know, so a candidate that feels extremely obscure is unlikely to be the one.
For more help, visit the How to Play Wordle page, or try the Wordle Solver to search by the letters you know. Unlimited practice is also available in 5-, 6- and 7-letter formats.
Want to go deeper?
10How to Solve Wordle in Three or Four Guesses: A Step-by-Step Plan
Tips help, but the order you use them in matters just as much. This plan gives every guess one job, so no row is wasted. The colour on each step shows how much risk you are taking at that point.
Gather: no riskNarrow: low riskCommit: real riskRescue: last rows
Guess 1Gather
Job: collect evidence. Play your opener, then read the board by counting how many letters were found and whether any landed green.
Guess 2Gather
Job: test five brand-new letters, even if the word cannot be the answer. After two rows you should have covered roughly ten different letters.
Guess 3Narrow
Job: build a word from your greens and yellows, with each yellow in a new slot. When several words fit, choose the one that tests the most letters you are still unsure about.
Guess 4Commit
Job: list every word that fits all the clues. If only one is left, play it. If several remain and differ in just one slot, play a word that tells them apart instead.
Guesses 5 and 6Rescue
Job: slow down. Re-read the whole grid from the top, look for a doubled letter, and only then type a word you have checked against every row.
Four traps that cost players a row
⚠ Misreading a doubled letter
If a letter shows yellow or green once and grey a second time, the word holds exactly one copy of it. A grey tile does not always mean the letter is missing from the word.
⚠ Guessing candidates one at a time
When five words share four letters, trying them in turn can use every remaining row. One word that covers the differing letters is safer, even if it cannot win.
⚠ Switching on Hard Mode without practice
Hard Mode forces you to reuse clues, so you cannot spend a row on pure testing. Try it on easier days first, and not in the middle of a long streak.
⚠ Ignoring the day's difficulty rating
On a puzzle rated Hard above, plan for all six rows from the start. On an Easy day, a risky early guess costs far less.
Four quick questions before you press Enter
- How many words still fit every clue?
- Which slot is still completely unknown?
- What exactly will this guess rule out?
- Could the answer contain a doubled letter?
11How to Play Wordle: A Beginner's Guide
Wordle is quick to learn and rewards practice. Here are the essentials, then a short glossary.
- Open the daily puzzle. Go to The New York Times website and open Wordle. A new puzzle arrives at midnight local time, and every player worldwide gets the same word, so you can compare results without spoilers.
- Enter a first guess. Type any valid five-letter word. CRANE, SLATE and STARE are sensible picks because they test common letters straight away. A free NYT account lets you keep a streak.
- Read the tile colours. After each guess the tiles change colour. Some words double a letter, as in HIPPO or CURRY.
- Use the feedback. Keep greens where they are, move yellows to a new slot and leave greys out. Each guess should build on what the earlier tiles showed.
- Solve within six tries. Most careful players finish in three or four. The aim is to shrink the options with every guess rather than to rely on luck.
- Share the result. When you finish, Wordle gives you a grid of coloured squares that shows how your solve went without revealing any letters.
Tile colour reference
- Green: right letter, right place. Keep it fixed.
- Yellow: right letter, wrong place. Move it.
- Grey: not in the word. Do not reuse it.
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Right letter in the right slot. Keep it fixed. |
| Yellow | Right letter, wrong slot. Move it next time. |
| Grey | The letter is not in the word. Do not reuse it. |
| Hard Mode | A setting that forces you to reuse every green and yellow letter you find. |
| Opener | Your first guess, used to collect letter evidence rather than to win. |
| Splitting guess | A word chosen to tell remaining candidates apart, even if it cannot be the answer. |
| WordleBot | The NYT tool that reviews your solve and publishes daily averages. |
| Streak | The number of consecutive days you have solved the puzzle. |
12Wordle Questions, Answered
What is Wordle and how does a round work?
Wordle is a free daily word game from The New York Times. You have six tries to find one five-letter word, and after each guess the tiles show which letters are right, misplaced or missing. Everyone gets the same word that day.
Does Wordle use British English?
No. The game follows American spelling. Where the two differ, such as COLOR and COLOUR, the US form is used.
Does Wordle use plural words?
Plurals are accepted as guesses, but a plural ending in S or ES is never the answer of the day.
Does Wordle use past tense words?
Past tense verbs work as guesses, but words ending in ED are left out of the answer list, just like S plurals.
How common are repeated letters in answers?
In the 118 answers on this page, 43 (36%) contain a repeated letter. Doubles are a minority, but a big enough one to keep in mind when four letters are fixed and nothing fits.
Should I avoid repeating letters in my guesses?
In your first two guesses, yes: five different letters give the most new information. Later, once several letters are confirmed, a repeat can make sense if you suspect the answer doubles one.
Can past Wordle answers come back?
It is possible, so a word should not be ruled out only because it appeared before. The checker on this page shows which words have been used since June 11, 2026.
Is Wordle free?
Yes. No account or subscription is needed. The NYT Games subscription covers other titles such as Spelling Bee, but Wordle stays free for everyone.
Is there an official Wordle app?
No. Wordle runs in the browser on the NYT site, and apps with its name in stores are third-party.
What does Hard Mode change?
Every green or yellow letter you uncover must be reused in later guesses. Greens stay in their slot and yellows must appear somewhere in the next word, which rules out loose, exploratory guesses.
Is looking up the answer cheating?
That depends on why you play. For fun or vocabulary it is perfectly fine; if you play for a personal challenge or to compare scores, it may take away some of the satisfaction. There is no wrong choice.
How is a hint different from the answer on this page?
Clues are grouped in levels, from word shape to meaning, and each stays closed until you open it. The answer is a separate section that stays hidden until you press the button.
What are the NYT tester score and WordleBot scores?
The NYT figure is the average from a small group of paid testers who play before release. WordleBot reflects players worldwide in Easy and Hard mode. The groups differ in size and skill, so the numbers often diverge.
How are the difficulty classes defined here?
Ratings run from 1 to 6. This site calls a puzzle Easy below 3.7, Medium from 3.7 to 4.4, Medium+ from 4.5 to 4.9 and Hard at 5.0 or above.
Who made Wordle?
Developer Josh Wardle created Wordle in 2021 as a gift for his partner. It grew from a small circle of players to around two million daily users within months, and The New York Times acquired it in January 2022 for a seven-figure sum. It has stayed free to play. Searching Wordle on Google also turns the Google logo into a mini Wordle game.
How often is this page updated?
Once per puzzle day, with that day's clues, answer, difficulty rating and a new line in the archive.
13Wordle Alternatives: Where to Go After Wordle
Finished today's puzzle and want more? Here is how the main follow-ups compare, with a short description of each.
GameLayoutLimitBest forWhat it is
NYT Connections16 words, 4 groups4 mistakesSorting by hidden links.Sort sixteen words into four groups of four, each group sharing a link that can be hard to spot.
NYT Strands6 by 8 letter gridUnlimitedFinding a theme.A word search where every letter gets used, with a hidden theme and one spangram spanning the board.
Dordle2 boards7 guessesA gentle step up.Two words solved with the same guesses; a free unlimited mode continues after the daily one.
Quordle4 boards9 guessesReading feedback closely.Four boards, one set of guesses. Much harder than Dordle.
Octordle8 boards13 guessesEndurance.Eight boards with 13 guesses, so every guess has to do a lot of work.
Sedecordle16 boards21 guessesThe big one.Sixteen boards and 21 guesses. The hardest version, where a good opener matters most.
NYT Connections
Sort sixteen words into four groups of four, each group sharing a link. The connections can be hard to spot.
NYT Strands
A word search on a 6 by 8 grid where every letter must be used. Each puzzle has a hidden theme and a spangram that spans the whole board.
Dordle
Two five-letter words solved at once with the same guesses. A free unlimited mode continues after the daily puzzle.
Quordle
Four words solved with a single set of guesses. It is much harder than Dordle and tests how well you read tile feedback.
Octordle
Eight words within 13 guesses. Each guess applies to every board, so reading all the feedback is half the challenge.
Sedecordle
Sixteen puzzles with 21 guesses. The most demanding version, and the one where a strong opener matters most.