Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-07-24
SHAME → FEARS
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects SHAME to FEARS 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
SHAME → SHAKE
Change the 4th letter M to K, turning SHAME into SHAKE.
Step 2
SHAKE → STAKE
Change the 2nd letter H to T, turning SHAKE into STAKE.
Step 3
STAKE → STATE
Change the 4th letter K to T, turning STAKE into STATE.
Step 4
STATE → STATS
Change the 5th letter E to S, turning STATE into STATS.
Step 5
STATS → SEATS
Change the 2nd letter T to E, turning STATS into SEATS.
Step 6
SEATS → BEATS
Change the 1st letter S to B, turning SEATS into BEATS.
Step 7
BEATS → BEARS
Change the 4th letter T to R, turning BEATS into BEARS.
Step 8
BEARS → FEARS
Change the 1st letter B to F, turning BEARS into FEARS.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 2, pos 4: 3, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 4 (3).
Change sequence: 4, 2, 4, 5, 2, 1, 4, 1.
Letter mix: V→V 0, V→C 1, C→V 1, C→C 6.
Word stats: 9 words, 10 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from SHAME to FEARS?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from SHAME to FEARS 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
SHAME
SHAKE
STAKE
STATE
STATS
SEATS
BEATS
BEARS
FEARS