Word ladder answers for March 19, 2026

The daily ladder for Thursday, March 19, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was RUB to DUD, solvable in 2 steps, and the longest was FAN to TAMES, which needs at least 5.

Each solution below is hidden until you open it, so you can try the puzzle first. A shortest solution is shown for every puzzle; many ladders have more than one path of the same length, so yours may differ and still be optimal.

Puzzle 1: FARS to BURLS

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps

Show the solution
  1. A becomes U
  2. add L
  3. F becomes B

Words in this ladder

FARS noun
a terrorist organization that seeks to overthrow the government dominated by Tutsi and to institute Hutu control again
FURS noun
the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
FURLS verb
form into a cylinder by rolling
BURLS noun
the wood cut from a tree burl or outgrowth; often used decoratively in veneer

Puzzle 2: RUB to DUD

Easy Shortest solution: 2 steps

Show the solution
  1. R becomes D
  2. B becomes D

Words in this ladder

RUB noun
an unforeseen obstacle
DUB noun
the new sounds added by dubbing
DUD noun
someone who is unsuccessful

Puzzle 3: MOSSES to TEASES

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  1. O becomes E
  2. M becomes L
  3. S becomes A
  4. L becomes T

Words in this ladder

MOSSES noun
tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
MESSES noun
a state of confusion and disorderliness
LESSES noun
a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
LEASES noun
property that is leased or rented out or let
TEASES noun
someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)

Puzzle 4: FAN to TAMES

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  1. F becomes T
  2. add R
  3. N becomes S
  4. add E
  5. R becomes M

Words in this ladder

FAN noun
a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
TAN noun
a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
TARN noun
a mountain lake (especially one formed by glaciers)
TARS noun
any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
TARES noun
an adjustment made for the weight of the packaging in order to determine the net weight of the goods
TAMES verb
correct by punishment or discipline

Puzzle 5: SORUSES to MOMUSES

Hard Shortest solution: 2 steps

Show the solution
  1. S becomes M
  2. R becomes M

Words in this ladder

SORUSES noun
a spore-producing structure in certain lichens and fungi
MORUSES noun
type genus of the Moraceae: mulberries
MOMUSES noun
god of blame and mockery

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