Word Labyrinth

Word ladder answers for April 11, 2026

The daily ladder for Saturday, April 11, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was HALTS to WALES, solvable in 2 steps, and the longest was WIVE to BIERCE, which needs at least 7.

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: TUX to JAG

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps

Show the solution
  2. X becomes G
  3. U becomes A
  4. T becomes J

Words in this ladder

TUX noun
semiformal evening dress for men
TUG noun
a sudden abrupt pull
TAG noun
a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
JAG noun
a sharp projection on an edge or surface

Puzzle 2: HALTS to WALES

Easy Shortest solution: 2 steps

Show the solution
  2. T becomes E
  3. H becomes W

Words in this ladder

HALTS noun
the state of inactivity following an interruption
HALES noun
a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
WALES noun
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; during Roman times the region was known as Cambria

Puzzle 3: VENA to CRAFT

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  2. A becomes T
  3. V becomes R
  4. E becomes A
  5. N becomes F
  6. add C

Words in this ladder

VENA noun
a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
VENT noun
a hole for the escape of gas or air
RENT noun
a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
RANT noun
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
RAFT noun
a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers
CRAFT noun
the skilled practice of a practical occupation

Puzzle 4: HOD to POSH

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  2. D becomes T
  3. add S
  4. H becomes P
  5. T becomes H

Words in this ladder

HOD noun
an open box attached to a long pole handle; bricks or mortar are carried on the shoulder
HOT adjective
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
HOST noun
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
POST noun
the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand
POSH adjective
elegant and fashionable; ; ; ; - Julia Child

Puzzle 5: WIVE to BIERCE

Hard Shortest solution: 7 steps

Show the solution
  2. V becomes N
  3. W becomes N
  4. N becomes C
  5. add E
  6. N becomes P
  7. add R
  8. P becomes B

Words in this ladder

WIVE verb
take (someone) as a wife
WINE noun
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
NINE noun
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
NICE noun
a city in southeastern France on the Mediterranean; the leading resort on the French Riviera
NIECE noun
a daughter of your brother or sister
PIECE noun
a separate part of a whole
PIERCE noun
14th President of the United States (1804-1869)
BIERCE noun
United States writer of caustic wit (1842-1914)

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