Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2025-12-12
MATE → FEAR
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects MATE to FEAR in 7 steps. This 4-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?
Play This PuzzleStep-by-Step Solution
Step 1
MATE → MALE
Change the 3rd letter T to L, turning MATE into MALE.
Step 2
MALE → MALL
Change the 4th letter E to L, turning MALE into MALL.
Step 3
MALL → FALL
Change the 1st letter M to F, turning MALL into FALL.
Step 4
FALL → FELL
Change the 2nd letter A to E, turning FALL into FELL.
Step 5
FELL → FELT
Change the 4th letter L to T, turning FELL into FELT.
Step 6
FELT → FEAT
Change the 3rd letter L to A, turning FELT into FEAT.
Step 7
FEAT → FEAR
Change the 4th letter T to R, turning FEAT into FEAR.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 1, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 3. Most-changed position: 4 (3).
Change sequence: 3, 4, 1, 2, 4, 3, 4.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 1, C→V 1, C→C 4.
Word stats: 8 words, 7 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from MATE to FEAR?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from MATE to FEAR takes exactly 7 steps.
Q: Any tips for today's puzzle?
A: This puzzle involves 4-letter words. A good strategy is to look for common intermediate words or focus on changing vowels first.
Q: Where can I play past Word Ladder puzzles?
A: You can access our complete archive by clicking the "Puzzle Archive" link at the bottom of the page.
Word Definitions
MATE
MALE
MALL
FALL
FELL
FELT
FEAT
FEAR