Spelling Bee Answers — July 3, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from July 3, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #15188

    Friday, July 3, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center A; outer D, I, L, N, O, R

    Official totals
    Total Words
    63
    Pangram Count
    2
    Length histogram
    4
    30
    5
    17
    6
    9
    7
    4
    8
    3
    Two-letter list
    OTHER
    63
    Letter-by-length grid
    L
    4
    9
    R
    4
    9
    OTHER
    Total
    45
    Pangram shape
    Count
    2
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. Every word must use A; 6 other letters are available.
    2. Today's hive holds 63 words, including 2 pangrams.

    Difficulty: 4

    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

    Friday, July 3, 2026

    Today's Letters

    D
    I
    L
    A
    N
    O
    R

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    235Max Points
    63Words Found
    2Pangrams
    3.7Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Friday, July 3, 2026 were DOORNAIL, ORDINAL, out of 63 total words worth 235 points.

    Solution Details

    A (12)

    ►

    D (8)

    ►

    I (3)

    ►

    L (13)

    ►

    N (7)

    ►

    O (3)

    ►

    R (17)

    ►

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-07-02

    Center Letter
    M
    Outer Letters
    E, G, I, L, N, T
    Words
    • Word
      MELTING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ELEMENT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an abstract part of something
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EMINENT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      standing above others in quality or position
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EMIT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      expel (gases or odors)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EMITTING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENTITLEMENT
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      right granted by law or contract (especially a right to benefits)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GENTLEMEN
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GIMLET
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a cocktail made of gin or vodka and lime juice
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GIMME
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IMMINENT
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      close in time; about to occur
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ITEM
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEMMING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various short-tailed furry-footed rodents of circumpolar distribution
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIME
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIMIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the greatest possible degree of something
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIMITING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the grammatical relation that exists when a word qualifies the meaning of the phrase
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIMN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      trace the shape of
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIMNING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a drawing of the outlines of forms or objects
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LINEMEN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the football players who line up on the line of scrimmage
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LINIMENT
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a medicinal liquid that is rubbed into the skin to relieve muscular stiffness and pain
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MEET
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MEETING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a formally arranged gathering
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MELEE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a noisy riotous fight
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MELT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MEME
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MEMING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MENTEE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      one who is being mentored
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      METE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a line that indicates a boundary
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      METING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      METTLE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the courage to carry on
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIEN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      dignified manner or conduct
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MILE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MILL
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MILLET
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various small-grained annual cereal and forage grasses of the genera Panicum, Echinochloa, Setaria, Sorghum, and Eleusine
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MILLING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      corrugated edge of a coin
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIME
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIMING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINGLE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      to bring or combine together or with something else
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINGLING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      18
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the action of people mingling and coming into contact
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINI
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a very short skirt
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINIM
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 1/60th fluid dram or 0.059194 cubic centimeters
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of extracting ores or coal etc. from the earth
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any north temperate plant of the genus Mentha with aromatic leaves and small mauve flowers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINTING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MITE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a slight but appreciable amount
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MITT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MITTEN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      glove that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEEM
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      be teeming, be abuzz
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEEMING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      abundantly filled with especially living things
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TENEMENT
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIME
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an instance or single occasion for some event
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIMELINE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a sequence of related events arranged in chronological order and displayed along a line (usually drawn left to right or top to bottom)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIMING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the time when something happens
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    MELTING

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-07-03T07:10:01.578Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-07-02 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: E, G, I, L, N, T · totalWords: 53 · totalScore: 258 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-07-01 — centerLetter: E · outerLetters: C, D, H, I, P, U · totalWords: 51 · totalScore: 224 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-06-29 — centerLetter: C · outerLetters: A, F, I, L, N, U · totalWords: 30 · totalScore: 152 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-06-28 — centerLetter: V · outerLetters: D, E, G, I, L, N · totalWords: 67 · totalScore: 397 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-06-27 — centerLetter: W · outerLetters: B, E, I, L, O, P · totalWords: 24 · totalScore: 99 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-06-26 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: A, C, G, I, L, Y · totalWords: 33 · totalScore: 132 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-06-25 — centerLetter: I · outerLetters: A, D, E, F, T, X · totalWords: 35 · totalScore: 151 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-06-24 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: A, C, E, M, N, P · totalWords: 64 · totalScore: 292 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-06-22 — centerLetter: C · outerLetters: A, E, H, I, L, M · totalWords: 55 · totalScore: 229 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-06-21 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: I, L, O, R, V, Y · totalWords: 28 · totalScore: 122 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-06-20 — centerLetter: R · outerLetters: D, G, I, N, O, W · totalWords: 55 · totalScore: 297 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-06-19 — centerLetter: A · outerLetters: C, D, E, I, M, Y · totalWords: 57 · totalScore: 254 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-06-18 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: D, E, F, I, O, X · totalWords: 40 · totalScore: 168 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-06-16 — centerLetter: Y · outerLetters: A, E, I, L, N, V · totalWords: 31 · totalScore: 158 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Tuesday

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Thursday
    Average Words
    42.7
    Average Score
    192.3
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    57.5
    Average Score
    258
    Monday
    Average Words
    49.3
    Average Score
    223
    Sunday
    Average Words
    40.3
    Average Score
    225.7
    Saturday
    Average Words
    39.5
    Average Score
    198
    Friday
    Average Words
    45
    Average Score
    193
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    31
    Average Score
    158
    Center Vowel Share
    0.19
    Most Generous
    Date
    2026-06-28
    Center Letter
    V
    Outer Letters
    D, E, G, I, L, N
    Total Words
    67
    Total Score
    397
    Pangram Count
    3
    Weekday
    Sunday
    Least Generous
    Date
    2026-06-27
    Center Letter
    W
    Outer Letters
    B, E, I, L, O, P
    Total Words
    24
    Total Score
    99
    Pangram Count
    1
    Weekday
    Saturday
    Pangram Count Distribution
    1
    8
    2
    4
    3
    4

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261007T011441Z

    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.