Word Labyrinth

Word ladder answers for June 26, 2026

The daily ladder for Friday, June 26, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was SAYS to SLAGS, solvable in 2 steps, and the longest was PIAF to WOUKS, which needs at least 6.

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: TOPS to MOATS

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps

Show the solution
  2. T becomes M
  3. P becomes T
  4. add A

Words in this ladder

TOPS noun
the upper part of anything
MOPS noun
cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
MOTS noun
a clever remark
MOATS noun
ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water

Puzzle 2: SAYS to SLAGS

Easy Shortest solution: 2 steps

Show the solution
  2. add L
  3. Y becomes G

Words in this ladder

SAYS noun
the chance to speak
SLAYS verb
kill intentionally and with premeditation
SLAGS noun
the scum formed by oxidation at the surface of molten metals

Puzzle 3: NAPS to CONK

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  2. N becomes C
  3. A becomes O
  4. P becomes N
  5. S becomes K

Words in this ladder

NAPS noun
a period of time spent sleeping
CAPS noun
a tight-fitting headdress
COPS noun
uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
CONS noun
an argument opposed to a proposal
CONK noun
informal term for the nose

Puzzle 4: BARS to SLOOPS

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  2. R becomes P
  3. B becomes L
  4. add S
  5. A becomes O
  6. add O

Words in this ladder

BARS noun
gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
BAPS noun
a small loaf or roll of soft bread
LAPS noun
the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
SLAPS noun
a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
SLOPS noun
wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
SLOOPS noun
a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow

Puzzle 5: PIAF to WOUKS

Hard Shortest solution: 6 steps

Show the solution
  2. F becomes S
  3. A becomes N
  4. P becomes W
  5. I becomes O
  6. N becomes K
  7. add U

Words in this ladder

PIAF noun
French cabaret singer (1915-1963)
PIAS noun
perennial herb of East Indies to Polynesia and Australia; cultivated for its large edible root yielding Otaheite arrowroot starch
PINS noun
a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
WINS noun
a victory (as in a race or other competition)
WONS noun
the basic unit of money in South Korea
WOKS noun
pan with a convex bottom; used for frying in Chinese cooking
WOUKS noun
United States writer (born in 1915)

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