Word Ladder
About Word Ladder
Word Ladder is an online version of the classic puzzle invented by Lewis Carroll. You transform one word into another by changing a single letter at a time, and every intermediate step must be a valid word. For example, turning COLD into WARM step by step.
Planning matters: a careless change can lead to a dead end. Solving efficiently earns more rewards, so it's worth thinking about the shortest route.
Word ladders are a classic way to stretch vocabulary and logical thinking at the same time. It's well suited to word lovers, students and anyone who enjoys a puzzle with a clear, elegant rule. Each puzzle is short, so it's easy to fit one in during a quick break. Short ladders are easy, but longer ones genuinely stretch vocabulary.
How to Play Word Ladder
- Look at the start word and target word.
- Replace one letter to make a new valid word.
- Keep going until you reach the target word.
- Avoid dead ends by planning ahead.
Word Ladder Tips & Tricks
- Work out which letters already match the target and keep them.
- Vowels are often the easiest letters to change.
- If stuck, work backwards from the target word.
Word Ladder FAQ
What is a word ladder?
A puzzle where you change one letter at a time to turn one word into another.
Does every step need to be a word?
Yes, each step must be valid.
Who invented the word ladder puzzle?
The idea is credited to Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who called it Doublets.
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