Spelling Bee Answers — June 18, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from June 18, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #26984

    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center T; outer D, E, F, I, O, X

    Official totals
    Total Words
    40
    Pangram Count
    2
    Length histogram
    4
    17
    5
    8
    6
    12
    Other
    3
    Two-letter list
    FE
    4
    OTHER
    36
    Letter-by-length grid
    T
    4
    9
    OTHER
    Total
    31
    Pangram shape
    Count
    2
    Starts With Center
    Yes
    1. Today's honeycomb centers on T and adds 6 surrounding letters.
    2. Queen Bee means finding all 40 words; 2 use every letter.

    Difficulty: 3

    This band is shown with every input used to compute it.

    • accepted-word total
    • length distribution
    • pangram count

    Spelling Bee Puzzle

    Edited by Sam Ezersky

    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    Today's Letters

    D
    E
    F
    T
    I
    O
    X

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

    • Be at least 4 letters long
    • Include the center letter T

    168Max Points
    40Words Found
    2Pangrams
    4.2Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Thursday, June 18, 2026 were DETOXIFIED, TOXIFIED, out of 40 total words worth 168 points.

    Solution Details

    D (10)

    deftdetoxdetoxeddetoxifieddietdieteddittodotedoteddotted

    E (5)

    editeditedeffeteexitexited

    F (8)

    feetfetefetedfetidfittedfootfootedfootie

    I (1)

    idiot

    T (16)

    teedtefftexttextedtidetidedtidiedtiedtifftoedtoffeetoottootedtotetotedtoxified

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-06-17

    Center Letter
    R
    Outer Letters
    A, B, C, K, L, O
    Words
    • Word
      ROLLBACK
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of forcing the enemy to withdraw
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ARBOR
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      tree (as opposed to shrub)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ARCO
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      (of instruments in the violin family) to be played with the bow
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BARB
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BARBACK
      Scrabble Score
      17
      Wwf Score
      20
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BARBACOA
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BARK
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BARRACK
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BOAR
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      Old World wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in United States
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BOOKRACK
      Scrabble Score
      20
      Wwf Score
      22
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BOOR
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      BROOK
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CARB
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAROB
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      long pod containing small beans and sweetish edible pulp; used as animal feed and source of a chocolate substitute
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAROL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      COBRA
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      venomous Asiatic and African elapid snakes that can expand the skin of the neck into a hood
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      COLLAR
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      COLOR
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CORAL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a variable color averaging a deep pink
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CORK
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      COROLLA
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (botany) the whorl of petals of a flower that collectively form an inner floral envelope or layer of the perianth
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CORRAL
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a pen for cattle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CRAB
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CRACK
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a long narrow cleft
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CROAK
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a harsh hoarse utterance (as of a frog)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CROC
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CROCK
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CROOK
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LABOR
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a political party formed in Great Britain in 1900; characterized by the promotion of labor's interests and formerly the socialization of…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LARK
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      North American songbirds having a yellow breast
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      OARLOCK
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a holder attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      OKRA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ORAL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an examination conducted by spoken communication
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ORCA
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RACK
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      rib section of a forequarter of veal or pork or especially lamb or mutton
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROAR
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      4
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a deep prolonged loud noise
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROBOCALL
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROCK
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROCOCO
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROLL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      rotary motion of an object around its own axis
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROLLBAR
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ROOK
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      common gregarious Old World bird about the size and color of the American crow
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    ROLLBACK

    Source verification

    Sources
    1
    Agreement
    single
    Confidence
    confirmed
    • 1: verified (0 ms)

    Checked 2026-06-18T08:16:03.873Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-06-17 — centerLetter: R · outerLetters: A, B, C, K, L, O · totalWords: 42 · totalScore: 170 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-06-16 — centerLetter: Y · outerLetters: A, E, I, L, N, V · totalWords: 31 · totalScore: 158 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-06-15 — centerLetter: H · outerLetters: A, C, E, I, P, T · totalWords: 63 · totalScore: 288 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-06-14 — centerLetter: H · outerLetters: A, D, E, I, N, P · totalWords: 26 · totalScore: 158 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Sunday

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    42
    Average Score
    170
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    31
    Average Score
    158
    Monday
    Average Words
    63
    Average Score
    288
    Sunday
    Average Words
    26
    Average Score
    158
    Center Vowel Share
    0
    Most Generous
    Date
    2026-06-15
    Center Letter
    H
    Outer Letters
    A, C, E, I, P, T
    Total Words
    63
    Total Score
    288
    Pangram Count
    3
    Weekday
    Monday
    Least Generous
    Date
    2026-06-14
    Center Letter
    H
    Outer Letters
    A, D, E, I, N, P
    Total Words
    26
    Total Score
    158
    Pangram Count
    3
    Weekday
    Sunday
    Pangram Count Distribution
    1
    1
    2
    1
    3
    2

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261007T011438Z

    How It Works

    Spelling Bee requires making words using available letters, with each word containing the center letter. Our tool will help you discover all possible combinations.

    Rules of the Game

    • Words must have at least 4 letters
    • Words must include the center letter
    • Letters can be used more than once
    • The NYT word list excludes obscure, hyphenated, or proper nouns
    • 4-letter words are worth 1 point each
    • Longer words earn 1 point per letter
    • Pangrams (words that use all 7 letters) earn 7 extra points

    Scoring Ranks

    Beginner: 0 points
    Good Start: 2 points
    Moving Up: 5 points
    Good: 8 points
    Solid: 15 points
    Nice: 25 points
    Great: 40 points
    Amazing: 50 points
    Genius: 70 points
    Queen Bee: Find all words!

    Our tool analyzes the daily puzzle and finds all valid words, helping you achieve "Genius" status and maybe even reach "Queen Bee" by finding all possible words!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a pangram in Spelling Bee?

    A pangram is a word that uses all 7 letters from the honeycomb at least once. Pangrams are worth 7 bonus points on top of their regular letter points. Finding all pangrams is key to reaching Genius and Queen Bee levels.

    How many points do I need to reach Genius in Spelling Bee?

    Genius rank requires earning approximately 70% of the maximum possible points for that day's puzzle. The exact point threshold varies daily based on how many words and pangrams are available.

    What is Queen Bee rank in Spelling Bee?

    Queen Bee is the highest rank in Spelling Bee, achieved only by finding every single valid word in the puzzle. It's the ultimate challenge and requires discovering all words, including obscure ones.

    Spelling Bee strategy & tips

    Hunt the pangram first

    Every Spelling Bee has at least one pangram — a word that uses all seven letters — and it’s worth a 7-point bonus on top of its length score. Finding it early is the biggest single swing in your score and often reveals the “shape” of the day’s vocabulary.

    To find it, list the seven letters and look for likely combinations: a pangram almost always needs the center letter plus every outer letter, so scan for common roots that can absorb all of them (think “-ING,” “-TION,” or a compound).

    Mine prefixes and suffixes

    Most of your word count comes from systematically extending stems. Once you find a valid base word, try every legal affix:

    • Suffixes: -ING, -ED, -ER, -EST, -LY, -TION, -MENT, -NESS (only if the needed letters are present).
    • Prefixes: RE-, UN-, DE-, OUT-, OVER- when those letters are in the set.
    • Plurals and verb forms: if S is available, most nouns and verbs double your entries.

    Working stem-by-stem instead of guessing randomly is how players clear the higher ranks — our Spelling Bee tips guide walks through the full stem-mining routine.

    The ranks, and what “Genius” really takes

    Spelling Bee scores you up a ladder — Beginner, Good Start, Moving Up, Good, Solid, Nice, Great, Amazing, Genius — with Queen Bee reserved for finding every single word. Genius is about 70% of the total possible points, so you do not need every word to hit it; you need the long words and the pangram.

    Prioritize length: a 7- or 8-letter word is worth far more than several 4-letter words, so when you’re close to a rank, reach for longer entries.

    Rules that trip people up

    • Every word must include the center letter — no exceptions.
    • Words must be at least four letters; three-letter words don’t count.
    • Letters can be reused as many times as you like (e.g. if the set allows it, “LEVEL” or “MAMMA”-style repetition is fine).
    • No proper nouns, hyphenated words, or obscure/offensive entries — the dictionary is curated.

    Words people consistently miss

    The Bee loves slightly old-fashioned or less-common-but-valid words — things like NatterING, words with unusual letter doublings, and short interjections. If you’re a few words short of a rank, try less obvious vowel combinations and uncommon four-letter words before assuming you’ve found everything — or check your blind spots with our Spelling Bee solver.

    A fresh Spelling Bee is released daily; the letters and pangram change each day, so the skill is the search method, not memorization. Past puzzles live in the Spelling Bee archive if you want extra practice.