Word ladder answers for September 14, 2026

The daily ladder for Monday, September 14, 2026 had 5 puzzles. The quickest was DOORS to MOODS, solvable in 2 steps, and the longest was ISI to PUMAS, 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: DAD to PEAT

Easy Shortest solution: 3 steps

Show the solution
  1. D becomes P
  2. D becomes T
  3. add E

Words in this ladder

DAD noun
an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
PAD noun
a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
PAT noun
the sound made by a gentle blow
PEAT noun
partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried

Puzzle 2: DOORS to MOODS

Easy Shortest solution: 2 steps

Show the solution
  1. D becomes M
  2. R becomes D

Words in this ladder

DOORS noun
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
MOORS noun
one of the Muslim people of north Africa; of mixed Arab and Berber descent; converted to Islam in the 8th century; conqueror of Spain in the 8th century
MOODS noun
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

Puzzle 3: SORT to SNIPS

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  1. T becomes E
  2. O becomes I
  3. E becomes S
  4. R becomes P
  5. add N

Words in this ladder

SORT noun
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
SORE noun
an open skin infection
SIRE noun
a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority
SIRS noun
term of address for a man
SIPS noun
a small drink
SNIPS noun
(plural) hand shears for cutting sheet metal

Puzzle 4: COSH to BATHE

Medium Shortest solution: 5 steps

Show the solution
  1. O becomes A
  2. H becomes E
  3. C becomes B
  4. S becomes T
  5. add H

Words in this ladder

COSH noun
a piece of metal covered by leather with a flexible handle; used for hitting people
CASH noun
money in the form of bills or coins
CASE noun
an occurrence of something
BASE noun
installation from which a military force initiates operations
BATE verb
moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
BATHE noun
the act of swimming

Puzzle 5: ISI to PUMAS

Hard Shortest solution: 7 steps

Show the solution
  1. I becomes P
  2. S becomes E
  3. I becomes S
  4. add P
  5. E becomes U
  6. add M
  7. P becomes A

Words in this ladder

ISI noun
the Pakistan intelligence agency; a powerful and almost autonomous political and military force; has procured nuclear technology and delivery capabilities; has had strong ties with the Taliban and other militant Islamic groups
PSI noun
a unit of pressure
PEI noun
United States architect (born in China in 1917)
PES noun
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
PEPS noun
liveliness and energy
PUPS noun
young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
PUMPS noun
a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
PUMAS noun
large American feline resembling a lion

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