Word ladder answers for July 29, 2026

The daily ladder for Wednesday, July 29, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was PENS to NEWTS, solvable in 3 steps, and the longest was NOOSES to STRESSES, 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: PENS to NEWTS

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps · Solved by 1 player

Show the solution
  1. N becomes T
  2. P becomes N
  3. add W

Words in this ladder

PENS noun
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
PETS noun
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
NETS noun
a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
NEWTS noun
small usually bright-colored semiaquatic salamanders of North America and Europe and northern Asia

Puzzle 2: SINS to DEWS

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps · Solved by 1 player

Show the solution
  1. S becomes D
  2. I becomes E
  3. N becomes W

Words in this ladder

SINS noun
estrangement from god
DINS noun
a loud harsh or strident noise
DENS noun
the habitation of wild animals
DEWS noun
water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air

Puzzle 3: PRY to STOW

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  1. P becomes T
  2. R becomes O
  3. Y becomes W
  4. add S

Words in this ladder

PRY noun
a heavy iron lever with one end forged into a wedge
TRY noun
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
TOY noun
an artifact designed to be played with
TOW noun
the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
STOW verb
fill by packing tightly

Puzzle 4: MOOT to REDS

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  1. T becomes S
  2. O becomes D
  3. M becomes R
  4. O becomes E

Words in this ladder

MOOT noun
a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
MOOS noun
the sound made by a cow or bull
MODS noun
a youth subculture that began in London in the early 1960s; a working-class movement with highly stylized dress and short hair; listened to rhythm and blues music and travelled on motor scooters
RODS noun
a long thin implement made of metal or wood
REDS noun
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

Puzzle 5: NOOSES to STRESSES

Hard Shortest solution: 7 steps

Show the solution
  1. N becomes L
  2. O becomes S
  3. L becomes D
  4. add R
  5. O becomes E
  6. D becomes T
  7. add S

Words in this ladder

NOOSES noun
a trap for birds or small mammals; often has a slip noose
LOOSES noun
Austrian architect (1870-1933)
LOSSES noun
something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
DOSSES noun
the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies
DROSSES noun
worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
DRESSES noun
a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
TRESSES noun
a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
STRESSES noun
the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)

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