Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-08-29
JEAN → CTRL
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects JEAN to CTRL in 7 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
JEAN → DEAN
Change the 1st letter J to D, turning JEAN into DEAN.
Step 2
DEAN → DEAL
Change the 4th letter N to L, turning DEAN into DEAL.
Step 3
DEAL → DELL
Change the 3rd letter A to L, turning DEAL into DELL.
Step 4
DELL → CELL
Change the 1st letter D to C, turning DELL into CELL.
Step 5
CELL → CALL
Change the 2nd letter E to A, turning CELL into CALL.
Step 6
CALL → CARL
Change the 3rd letter L to R, turning CALL into CARL.
Step 7
CARL → CTRL
Change the 2nd letter A to T, turning CARL into CTRL.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 1. Most-changed position: 1, 2, 3 (2).
Change sequence: 1, 4, 3, 1, 2, 3, 2.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 2, C→V 0, C→C 4.
Word stats: 8 words, 9 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from JEAN to CTRL?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from JEAN to CTRL takes exactly 7 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
JEAN
DEAN
DEAL
DELL
CELL
CALL
CARL
CTRL