Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Answers to yesterday's Bee

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The official answers for today's puzzle are:

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Number of Pangrams: 1

Maximum Puzzle Score: 180

Number of Answers: 37

Points Needed for Genius: 126

Genius requires between 18 and 32 words. You need at least a 7-letter word to reach genius. If you don't get the pangram, you need 76% of the total points to reach genius. If you get the pangram, you only need 67% of the remaining points to reach genius.

Other days with this pangram:

The button below will reveal a chart with the number of words by each letter. Red bars indicate that there is a pangram(s) starting with that letter.


How does this puzzle compare to other puzzles?

Today's score of 180 was in the 56th percentile of all puzzles.
The last time there was a score this high was on July 14, 2025.
The highest score ever was 537 on January 22, 2021.
The lowest score ever was 47 on March 27, 2023.

This puzzle's 37 possible answers rank it in the 44th percentile of all puzzles.
The last time there were fewer answers than this was on July 15, 2025.
The highest number of answers was 81 on June 8, 2019.
The lowest number of answers was 16 on March 27, 2023.

It takes a 7-letter word for genius.
The last time this happened was on July 12, 2025.

Today's puzzle has an average word length of 5.6.
For all Bees, the average word length has been 5.3.



Haven't I seen these letters before?

Hover over a letter to see its first and most recent appearance in the Bee!



Haven't I seen these words before?

The most common words in the Bee are:

  • noon 205
  • loll 200
  • toot 193
  • naan 175
  • nana 175
  • lilt 142
  • till 142
  • tilt 142
  • tint 138
  • nene 135
  • mama 134
  • mamma 134
  • acacia 128
  • acai 128
  • onto 127
  • toon 127
  • onion 123
  • anon 119
  • anal 118
  • olio 116
  • boob 113
  • booboo 113
  • dodo 113
  • papa 111
  • poop 111
  • tact 111
  • baba 109
  • lull 108
  • lulu 108
  • call 107
  • calla 107
  • mitt 107
  • ratatat 106
  • tart 106
  • tartar 106
  • attar 105
  • tattoo 104
  • tatty 104
  • ammo 103
  • cocci 103
  • momma 103
  • mono 103
  • moon 103
  • tutu 103
  • allay 102
  • ally 102
  • epee 100
  • loon 100
  • peep 100
  • roar 98


How long are words in the Bee?

There have been 104,105 answers ever accepted in the Bee - with 10,673 unique words.
Below are the distributions of the lengths of these words.



Valid dictionary words not in today's official answers

You may be wondering why these words aren't here*:

  • chinch
  • chinching
  • chine
  • ching
  • chining
  • eche
  • eching
  • echini
  • gighe
  • ginch
  • heigh
  • hieing
  • hinnie
  • niching
  • nighing
  • wenching
  • wheen
  • whig
  • whin
  • wich
  • winching

*Because the New York Times considers them obscure or offensive.

chew

noun
  1. The act of chewing; mastication with the mouth.
  2. Level of chewiness.
  3. A small sweet, such as a taffy, that is eaten by chewing.
  4. Chewing tobacco.
  5. A plug or wad of chewing tobacco; chaw or a chaw.
  6. The condition of something being torn or ground up mechanically.
verb
  1. To crush with the teeth by repeated closing and opening of the jaws; done to food to soften it and break it down by the action of saliva before it is swallowed.
  2. To grind, tear, or otherwise degrade or demolish something with teeth or as with teeth.
  3. To think about something; to ponder; to chew over.

chewing

Etymology 1

verb
  1. To crush with the teeth by repeated closing and opening of the jaws; done to food to soften it and break it down by the action of saliva before it is swallowed.
  2. To grind, tear, or otherwise degrade or demolish something with teeth or as with teeth.
  3. To think about something; to ponder; to chew over.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. The act by which something is chewed on; mastication.
  2. The consumption of (the juice from) the khat plant.
  3. The consumption of loose leaf tobacco juice from tobacco plants by chewing leaves near the cheek.

chic

Etymology 1

noun
  1. Good form; style.
  2. A person with (a particular type of) chic.
adjective
  1. Elegant, stylish.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A kind of ritual buffoon or clown in Yucatec Maya culture.

chichi

Etymology 1

adjective
  1. Affectedly trendy; chic and stylish

Etymology 2

noun
  1. (Latin America, chiefly in the plural) A woman's breast.

chin

Etymology 1

noun
  1. The bottom of a face, (specifically) the typically jutting jawline below the mouth.
  2. Talk.
  3. A lie, a falsehood.
  4. The ability to withstand being punched in the chin without being knocked out.
  5. The lower part of the front of an aircraft, below the nose.
  6. The bottom part of a mobile phone, below the screen.
verb
  1. To talk.
  2. To talk to or with (someone).
  3. To perform a chin-up (exercise in which one lifts one's own weight while hanging from a bar).
  4. To punch or hit (someone)'s chin (part of the body).
  5. To put or hold (a musical instrument) up to one's chin.
  6. To turn on or operate (a device) using one's chin; to select (a particular setting) using one's chin.
  7. To put one's chin on (something).
  8. To indicate or point toward (someone or something) with one's chin.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A chinchilla.

chinning

verb
  1. To talk.
  2. To talk to or with (someone).
  3. To perform a chin-up (exercise in which one lifts one's own weight while hanging from a bar).
  4. To punch or hit (someone)'s chin (part of the body).
  5. To put or hold (a musical instrument) up to one's chin.
  6. To turn on or operate (a device) using one's chin; to select (a particular setting) using one's chin.
  7. To put one's chin on (something).
  8. To indicate or point toward (someone or something) with one's chin.

cinch

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A simple saddle girth used in Mexico.
  2. Something that is very easy to do.
  3. A firm hold.
verb
  1. To bring to certain conclusion.
  2. To tighten down.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A variety of auction pitch in which a draw to improve the hand is added, and the five of trumps (called "right Pedro") and the five of the same colour (called "left Pedro", and ranking between the five and the four of trumps) are each worth five. Fifty-one points make a game.
verb
  1. In the game of cinch, to protect (a trick) by playing a higher trump than the five.

cinching

verb
  1. To bring to certain conclusion.
  2. To tighten down.
verb
  1. In the game of cinch, to protect (a trick) by playing a higher trump than the five.
noun
  1. A fastening.

ghee

noun
  1. A type of clarified butter used in South Asian cooking; usli ghee.
  2. Vegetable oil for cooking.

heinie

noun
  1. The buttocks.

hence

adverb
  1. From here, from this place, away
  2. From the living or from this world
  3. (of a length of time) in the future from now
  4. As a result; therefore, for this reason

henge

noun
  1. A prehistoric enclosure in the form of a circle or circular arc defined by a raised circular bank and a circular ditch usually running inside the bank, with one or more entrances leading into the enclosed open space.

hewing

verb
  1. To chop away at; to whittle down; to mow down.
  2. To shape; to form.
  3. To act according to, to conform to; usually construed with to.
noun
  1. The act of one who hews or chops.

hewn

verb
  1. To chop away at; to whittle down; to mow down.
  2. To shape; to form.
  3. To act according to, to conform to; usually construed with to.
adjective
  1. Made or crafted by cutting, whittling down.
  2. Having been cut or mown down.

high

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A high point or position, literally or figuratively; an elevated place; a superior region; a height; the sky; heaven.
  2. A point of success or achievement; a time when things are at their best.
  3. A period of euphoria, from excitement or from an intake of drugs.
  4. A drug that gives such a high.
  5. A large area of elevated atmospheric pressure; an anticyclone.
  6. The maximum value attained by some quantity within a specified period.
  7. The maximum atmospheric temperature recorded at a particular location, especially during one 24-hour period.
  8. The highest card dealt or drawn.
verb
  1. To rise.
adjective
  1. Very elevated; extending or being far above a base; tall; lofty.
  2. Relatively elevated; rising or raised above the average or normal level from which elevation is measured.
  3. Having a specified elevation or height; tall.
  4. Elevated in status, esteem, prestige; exalted in rank, station, or character.
  5. Of great importance and consequence: grave (if negative) or solemn (if positive).
  6. Consummate; advanced (e.g. in development) to the utmost extent or culmination, or possessing a quality in its supreme degree, at its zenith.
  7. (in several set phrases) Remote in distance or time.
  8. (in several set phrases) Very traditionalist and conservative, especially in favoring older ways of doing things; see e.g. high church, High Tory.
  9. Elevated in mood; marked by great merriment, excitement, etc.
  10. (of a lifestyle) Luxurious; rich.
  11. Lofty, often to the point of arrogant, haughty, boastful, proud.
  12. (with "on" or "about") Keen, enthused.
  13. (of a body of water) With tall waves.
  14. Large, great (in amount or quantity, value, force, energy, etc).
  15. (acoustics) Acute or shrill in pitch, due to being of greater frequency, i.e. produced by more rapid vibrations (wave oscillations).
  16. Made with some part of the tongue positioned high in the mouth, relatively close to the palate.
  17. Greater in value than other cards, denominations, suits, etc.
  18. (of meat, especially venison) Strong-scented; slightly tainted/spoiled; beginning to decompose.
  19. Intoxicated; under the influence of a mood-altering drug, formerly usually alcohol, but now (from the mid-20th century) usually not alcohol but rather marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.
  20. (of a sailing ship) Near, in its direction of travel, to the (direction of the) wind.
adverb
  1. In or to an elevated position.
  2. In or at a great value.
  3. At a pitch of great frequency.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. Thought; intention; determination; purpose.

Etymology 3

verb
  1. To hie; to hasten.

hinge

noun
  1. A jointed or flexible device that allows the pivoting of a door etc.
  2. A naturally occurring joint resembling such hardware in form or action, as in the shell of a bivalve.
  3. A stamp hinge, a folded and gummed paper rectangle for affixing postage stamps in an album.
  4. A principle, or a point in time, on which subsequent reasonings or events depend.
  5. The median of the upper or lower half of a batch, sample, or probability distribution.
  6. One of the four cardinal points, east, west, north, or south.
verb
  1. To attach by, or equip with a hinge.
  2. (with on or upon) To depend on something.
  3. The breaking off of the distal end of a knapped stone flake whose presumed course across the face of the stone core was truncated prematurely, leaving not a feathered distal end but instead the scar of a nearly perpendicular break.
  4. To bend.

hinging

verb
  1. To attach by, or equip with a hinge.
  2. (with on or upon) To depend on something.
  3. The breaking off of the distal end of a knapped stone flake whose presumed course across the face of the stone core was truncated prematurely, leaving not a feathered distal end but instead the scar of a nearly perpendicular break.
  4. To bend.

inch

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot, or exactly 2.54 centimetres.
  2. The amount of water which would cover a surface to the depth of an inch, used as a measurement of rainfall.
  3. The amount of an alcoholic beverage which would fill a glass or bottle to the depth of an inch.
  4. A very short distance.
verb
  1. (followed by a preposition) To advance very slowly, or by a small amount (in a particular direction).
  2. To drive by inches, or small degrees.
  3. To deal out by inches; to give sparingly.

Etymology 2

noun
  1. A small island

inching

verb
  1. (followed by a preposition) To advance very slowly, or by a small amount (in a particular direction).
  2. To drive by inches, or small degrees.
  3. To deal out by inches; to give sparingly.
noun
  1. Very gradual movement.

neigh

noun
  1. The cry of a horse.
verb
  1. (of a horse) To make its cry.
  2. To make a sound similar to a horse's cry.
  3. To scoff or sneer.

neighing

verb
  1. (of a horse) To make its cry.
  2. To make a sound similar to a horse's cry.
  3. To scoff or sneer.
noun
  1. The sound made by a horse; an act or instance of the verb neigh.

niche

noun
  1. A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament. Hence, any similar position, literal or figurative.
  2. A function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited.
  3. (by extension) Any position of opportunity for which one is well-suited, such as a particular market in business.
  4. An arrow woven into a prayer rug pointing in the direction of qibla.
verb
  1. To place in a niche.
  2. To specialize in a niche, or particular narrow section of the market.
adjective
  1. Pertaining to or intended for a market niche; having specific appeal.

nigh

verb
  1. To draw nigh (to); to approach; to come near
adjective
  1. Near, close by
  2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.; closely allied; intimate.
adverb
  1. Almost, nearly.
preposition
  1. Near; close to

weigh

verb
  1. To determine the weight of an object.
  2. Often with "out", to measure a certain amount of something by its weight, e.g. for sale.
  3. To determine the intrinsic value or merit of an object, to evaluate.
  4. To judge; to estimate.
  5. To consider a subject.
  6. To have a certain weight.
  7. To have weight; to be heavy; to press down.
  8. To be considered as important; to have weight in the intellectual balance.
  9. To raise an anchor free of the seabed.
  10. To weigh anchor.
  11. To bear up; to raise; to lift into the air; to swing up.
  12. To consider as worthy of notice; to regard.

weighing

verb
  1. To determine the weight of an object.
  2. Often with "out", to measure a certain amount of something by its weight, e.g. for sale.
  3. To determine the intrinsic value or merit of an object, to evaluate.
  4. To judge; to estimate.
  5. To consider a subject.
  6. To have a certain weight.
  7. To have weight; to be heavy; to press down.
  8. To be considered as important; to have weight in the intellectual balance.
  9. To raise an anchor free of the seabed.
  10. To weigh anchor.
  11. To bear up; to raise; to lift into the air; to swing up.
  12. To consider as worthy of notice; to regard.
noun
  1. The process by which something is weighed.
adjective
  1. That weighs or burdens.

wench

noun
  1. (possibly offensive) A girl or young woman, especially a buxom or lively one.
  2. Used as a term of endearment for a female person, especially a wife, daughter, or girlfriend: darling, sweetheart.
  3. A woman servant; a maidservant.
  4. A promiscuous woman; a mistress.
  5. A prostitute.
  6. A black woman (of any age), especially if in a condition of servitude.
verb
  1. To frequent prostitutes; to whore; also, to womanize.

whee

interjection
  1. An expression of pleasure or enjoyment, mostly from rapid physical motion.

when

noun
  1. The time at which something happens.
adverb
  1. (interrogative) At what time? At which time? Upon which occasion or circumstance? Used to introduce direct or indirect questions about time.
  2. At an earlier time and under different, usually less favorable, circumstances.
  3. (relative) At which, on which, during which: often omitted or replaced with that.
pronoun
  1. (interrogative) What time; which time.
  2. The time that.
conjunction
  1. At (or as soon as) that time that; at the (or any and every) time that; if.
  2. During the time that; at the time of the action of the following clause or participle phrase.
  3. At what time; at which time.
  4. Since; given the fact that; considering that.
  5. Whereas; although; at the same time as; in spite of the fact that.
interjection
  1. That's enough, a command to stop adding something, especially an ingredient of food or drink.
  2. Expressing impatience. (Compare what.)

whence

adverb
  1. From where; from which place or source.
conjunction
  1. Used for introducing the result of a fact that has just been stated.

whew

Etymology 1

verb
  1. To whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.
interjection
  1. An expressive sound made indicating the release of one's inner tension; the release of breath; an expression of relief.
  2. An expression of amazement or surprise.

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To bustle about.

which

pronoun
  1. (interrogative) What one or ones (of those mentioned or implied).
  2. The/Any ones that; whichever.
  3. (relative) Introduces a relative clause giving further information about something previously mentioned.
  4. (relative) Used of people (now generally who, whom or that).

whine

noun
  1. A long-drawn, high-pitched complaining cry or sound
  2. A complaint or criticism
verb
  1. To utter a high-pitched cry.
  2. To make a sound resembling such a cry.
  3. To complain or protest with a whine or as if with a whine.
  4. To move with a whining sound.
  5. To utter with the sound of a whine.

whinge

noun
  1. A cry.
  2. A peevish complaint.
verb
  1. To complain, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.
  2. To whine.

whingeing

verb
  1. To complain, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.
  2. To whine.
noun
  1. A peevish complaint.

whinging

Etymology 1

verb
  1. To move with great force or speed.

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To complain, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.
  2. To whine.

whining

noun
  1. A long-drawn, high-pitched complaining cry or sound
  2. A complaint or criticism
verb
  1. To utter a high-pitched cry.
  2. To make a sound resembling such a cry.
  3. To complain or protest with a whine or as if with a whine.
  4. To move with a whining sound.
  5. To utter with the sound of a whine.

winch

Etymology 1

noun
  1. A machine consisting of a drum on an axle, a friction brake or ratchet and pawl, and a crank handle or prime mover (often an electric or hydraulic motor), with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hauling on a rope or cable.
  2. A hoisting machine used for loading or discharging cargo, or for hauling in lines. (FM 55-501).
  3. A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth).
  4. A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.
verb
  1. To use a winch

Etymology 2

verb
  1. To wince; to shrink
  2. To kick with impatience or uneasiness.