Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-05-09
TEARS → NEEDS
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects TEARS to NEEDS in 5 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
TEARS → BEARS
Change the 1st letter T to B, turning TEARS into BEARS.
Step 2
BEARS → BEADS
Change the 4th letter R to D, turning BEARS into BEADS.
Step 3
BEADS → LEADS
Change the 1st letter B to L, turning BEADS into LEADS.
Step 4
LEADS → LEEDS
Change the 3rd letter A to E, turning LEADS into LEEDS.
Step 5
LEEDS → NEEDS
Change the 1st letter L to N, turning LEEDS into NEEDS.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 3, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 1. Most-changed position: 1 (3).
Change sequence: 1, 4, 1, 3, 1.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 0, C→V 0, C→C 4.
Word stats: 6 words, 9 unique letters. Start/target share 2 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from TEARS to NEEDS?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from TEARS to NEEDS takes exactly 5 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
TEARS
BEARS
BEADS
LEADS
LEEDS
NEEDS