Daily Word Ladder Solution 2026-07-05: SHIP → SPAS

Date: 2026-07-05

SHIP → SPAS

Difficulty: Easy Goal Steps: 5 4 Letters

Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects SHIP to SPAS in 5 steps. This 4-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?

Play This Puzzle

New? Learn how to play Word Ladder here →

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1 SHIP → SKIP

Change the 2nd letter H to K, turning SHIP into SKIP.

Step 2 SKIP → SKIN

Change the 4th letter P to N, turning SKIP into SKIN.

Step 3 SKIN → SPIN

Change the 2nd letter K to P, turning SKIN into SPIN.

Step 4 SPIN → SPAN

Change the 3rd letter I to A, turning SPIN into SPAN.

Step 5 SPAN → SPAS

Change the 4th letter N to S, turning SPAN into SPAS.

Puzzle Insights

Change positions: pos 2: 2, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 2. Most-changed position: 2, 4 (2).

Change sequence: 2, 4, 2, 3, 4.

Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 0, C→V 0, C→C 4.

Word stats: 6 words, 7 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.

Try It Before You Reveal the Path

Cover the steps and work from both SHIP and SPAS first. This ladder needs 5 moves, and the endpoints already share 1 letter position—so a useful move does not always look immediately closer to the target.

The recorded route changes position 2 from H to K first, but saves position 4 (N to S) for the finish. That is a useful reminder to enter a familiar word family before forcing the final spelling.

At the midpoint, SPIN matches 2 target positions. On your replay, explain why that bridge gives you more options than a random swap; this path changes position 2 and 4 most often.

Practice prompt: choose two unfamiliar bridge words, check their definitions, and write a short sentence for each. Then replay SHIP to SPAS without looking at the route and compare your reasoning with the solution.