Word ladder answers for June 3, 2026

The daily ladder for Wednesday, June 3, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was SIN to SAX, solvable in 2 steps, and the longest was FOVEA to RIDGES, 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: DOER to SHEER

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps ยท Solved by 1 player

Show the solution
  1. O becomes E
  2. D becomes S
  3. add H

Words in this ladder

DOER noun
a person who acts and gets things done
DEER noun
distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers
SEER noun
a person with unusual powers of foresight
SHEER verb
turn sharply; change direction abruptly

Puzzle 2: SIN to SAX

Easy Shortest solution: 2 steps

Show the solution
  1. N becomes X
  2. I becomes A

Words in this ladder

SIN noun
estrangement from god
SIX noun
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
SAX noun
a Belgian maker of musical instruments who invented the saxophone (1814-1894)

Puzzle 3: VANES to FADEDS

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  1. V becomes W
  2. N becomes D
  3. W becomes F
  4. add D

Words in this ladder

VANES noun
mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
WANES noun
a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
WADES noun
English tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
FADES noun
a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer
FADEDS verb
become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly

Puzzle 4: PUKES to BRIDLES

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  1. U becomes I
  2. P becomes B
  3. K becomes D
  4. add R
  5. add L

Words in this ladder

PUKES noun
a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
PIKES noun
a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
BIKES noun
a motor vehicle with two wheels and a strong frame
BIDES verb
dwell
BRIDES noun
a woman who has recently been married
BRIDLES noun
headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control

Puzzle 5: FOVEA to RIDGES

Hard Shortest solution: 7 steps

Show the solution
  1. F becomes H
  2. A becomes R
  3. H becomes R
  4. O becomes I
  5. V becomes D
  6. R becomes S
  7. add G

Words in this ladder

FOVEA noun
area consisting of a small depression in the retina containing cones and where vision is most acute
HOVEA noun
any of several attractive evergreen shrubs of Australia grown for their glossy deep green foliage and flowers in rich blues and intense violets
HOVER verb
be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
ROVER noun
someone who leads a wandering unsettled life
RIVER noun
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
RIDER noun
a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)
RIDES noun
a journey in a vehicle (usually an automobile)
RIDGES noun
a long narrow natural elevation or striation

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