Word ladder answers for August 21, 2026

The daily ladder for Friday, August 21, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was RAM to ROOF, solvable in 3 steps, and the longest was RYAS to IYARS, 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: RAM to ROOF

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps ยท Solved by 1 player

Show the solution
  1. add O
  2. A becomes O
  3. M becomes F

Words in this ladder

RAM noun
the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
ROAM verb
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
ROOM noun
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
ROOF noun
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

Puzzle 2: MOLE to GAGE

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps

Show the solution
  1. O becomes A
  2. M becomes G
  3. L becomes G

Words in this ladder

MOLE noun
the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams; the basic unit of amount of substance adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
MALE noun
an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
GALE noun
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
GAGE noun
street names for marijuana

Puzzle 3: HACKS to CHANTS

Medium Shortest solution: 4 steps

Show the solution
  1. C becomes R
  2. K becomes T
  3. add C
  4. R becomes N

Words in this ladder

HACKS noun
one who works hard at boring tasks
HARKS verb
listen; used mostly in the imperative
HARTS noun
United States playwright who collaborated with George S. Kaufman (1904-1961)
CHARTS noun
a visual display of information
CHANTS noun
a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone

Puzzle 4: LACS to SCARF

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  1. C becomes B
  2. add S
  3. L becomes C
  4. B becomes R
  5. S becomes F

Words in this ladder

LACS noun
resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects; used in e.g. varnishes and sealing wax
LABS noun
a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
SLABS noun
block consisting of a thick piece of something
SCABS noun
someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
SCARS noun
a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
SCARF noun
a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration

Puzzle 5: RYAS to IYARS

Hard Shortest solution: 7 steps

Show the solution
  1. R becomes P
  2. Y becomes E
  3. P becomes T
  4. add R
  5. E becomes Z
  6. T becomes I
  7. Z becomes Y

Words in this ladder

RYAS noun
a shag rug made in Sweden
PYAS noun
100 pyas equal 1 kyat in Myanmar
PEAS noun
seed of a pea plant used for food
TEAS noun
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
TEARS noun
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
TZARS noun
a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)
IZARS noun
a voluminous cotton outer garment (usually white) traditionally worn by Muslim women of northern Africa and the Middle East; covers the entire body
IYARS noun
the eighth month of the civil year; the second month of the ecclesiastical year (in April and May)

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