Word ladder answers for June 29, 2026
The daily ladder for Monday, June 29, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was ZAP to SAX, solvable in 2 steps, and the longest was BUFF to SHOE, 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: ZAP to SAX
Show the solution
- Z becomes S
- P becomes X
Words in this ladder
- ZAP noun
- a sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
- SAP noun
- a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
- SAX noun
- a Belgian maker of musical instruments who invented the saxophone (1814-1894)
Puzzle 2: BANS to CONK
Show the solution
- B becomes C
- A becomes O
- S becomes K
Words in this ladder
- BANS noun
- a decree that prohibits something
- CANS noun
- airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
- CONS noun
- an argument opposed to a proposal
- CONK noun
- informal term for the nose
Puzzle 3: COP to FLANK
Show the solution
- O becomes A
- add L
- C becomes F
- P becomes K
- add N
Words in this ladder
- COP noun
- uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
- CAP noun
- a tight-fitting headdress
- CLAP noun
- a sudden very loud noise
- FLAP noun
- any broad thin and limber covering attached at one edge; hangs loose or projects freely
- FLAK noun
- a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer
- FLANK noun
- the side of military or naval formation
Puzzle 4: JIG to DOSE
Show the solution
- J becomes D
- I becomes O
- G becomes E
- add S
Words in this ladder
- JIG noun
- music in three-four time for dancing a jig
- DIG noun
- the site of an archeological exploration
- DOG noun
- a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
- DOE noun
- the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977
- DOSE noun
- a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
Puzzle 5: BUFF to SHOE
Show the solution
- F becomes M
- F becomes S
- B becomes S
- S becomes O
- U becomes H
- M becomes O
- O becomes E
Words in this ladder
- BUFF noun
- an ardent follower and admirer
- BUMF noun
- reading materials (documents, written information) that you must read and deal with but that you think are extremely boring
- BUMS noun
- a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
- SUMS noun
- a quantity of money
- SUMO noun
- a Japanese form of wrestling; you lose if you are forced out of a small ring or if any part of your body (other than your feet) touches the ground
- SHMO noun
- (Yiddish) a jerk
- SHOO verb
- drive away by crying `shoo!'
- SHOE noun
- footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
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