Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2025-12-24
NAMES → RICKY
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects NAMES to RICKY in 8 steps. This 5-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?
Play This PuzzleStep-by-Step Solution
Step 1
NAMES → GAMES
Change the 1st letter N to G, turning NAMES into GAMES.
Step 2
GAMES → GATES
Change the 3rd letter M to T, turning GAMES into GATES.
Step 3
GATES → RATES
Change the 1st letter G to R, turning GATES into RATES.
Step 4
RATES → RACES
Change the 3rd letter T to C, turning RATES into RACES.
Step 5
RACES → RACKS
Change the 4th letter E to K, turning RACES into RACKS.
Step 6
RACKS → ROCKS
Change the 2nd letter A to O, turning RACKS into ROCKS.
Step 7
ROCKS → ROCKY
Change the 5th letter S to Y, turning ROCKS into ROCKY.
Step 8
ROCKY → RICKY
Change the 2nd letter O to I, turning ROCKY into RICKY.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 1, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 1, 2, 3 (2).
Change sequence: 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 2, 5, 2.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 1, C→V 0, C→C 5.
Word stats: 9 words, 13 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from NAMES to RICKY?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from NAMES to RICKY takes exactly 8 steps.
Q: Any tips for today's puzzle?
A: This puzzle involves 5-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
NAMES
GAMES
GATES
RATES
RACES
RACKS
ROCKS
ROCKY
RICKY