Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-02-18
FISH → MAIL
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects FISH to MAIL in 8 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
FISH → WISH
Change the 1st letter F to W, turning FISH into WISH.
Step 2
WISH → WISE
Change the 4th letter H to E, turning WISH into WISE.
Step 3
WISE → WINE
Change the 3rd letter S to N, turning WISE into WINE.
Step 4
WINE → MINE
Change the 1st letter W to M, turning WINE into MINE.
Step 5
MINE → MILE
Change the 3rd letter N to L, turning MINE into MILE.
Step 6
MILE → MALE
Change the 2nd letter I to A, turning MILE into MALE.
Step 7
MALE → MALL
Change the 4th letter E to L, turning MALE into MALL.
Step 8
MALL → MAIL
Change the 3rd letter L to I, turning MALL into MAIL.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 3, pos 4: 2. Most-changed position: 3 (3).
Change sequence: 1, 4, 3, 1, 3, 2, 4, 3.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 1, C→V 2, C→C 4.
Word stats: 9 words, 10 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from FISH to MAIL?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from FISH to MAIL takes exactly 8 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
FISH
WISH
WISE
WINE
MINE
MILE
MALE
MALL
MAIL