Spelling Bee Answers — July 12, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from July 12, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #16857

    Sunday, July 12, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center K; outer A, E, G, I, N, W

    Official totals
    Total Words
    33
    Pangram Count
    3
    Length histogram
    4
    14
    5
    3
    6
    4
    7
    9
    Other
    3
    Two-letter list
    KI
    5
    OTHER
    28
    Letter-by-length grid
    K
    4
    6
    W
    4
    5
    OTHER
    Total
    22
    Pangram shape
    Count
    3
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. Every word must use K; 6 other letters are available.
    2. The word list totals 33, and 3 of them are pangrams.

    Difficulty: 2

    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

    Sunday, July 12, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    E
    G
    K
    I
    N
    W

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    163Max Points
    33Words Found
    3Pangrams
    4.9Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Sunday, July 12, 2026 were AWAKENING, WAKENING, WEAKENING, out of 33 total words worth 163 points.

    Solution Details

    A (5)

    akinawakeawakenawakeningawaking

    E (1)

    eking

    G (4)

    gawkgawkinggeekgeeking

    I (1)

    inking

    K (10)

    keenkeeningkingkingingkinkkinkingkiwikneekneeingknew

    N (1)

    nankeen

    W (11)

    wakewakenwakeningwakingweakweakenweakeningweekwikiwinkwinking

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-07-11

    Center Letter
    T
    Outer Letters
    A, I, L, N, P, U
    Words
    • Word
      LILLIPUTIAN
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      19
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a very small person (resembling a Lilliputian)
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      NUPTIAL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or relating to a wedding
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ALIT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANTI
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ATILT
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ATTAIN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      to gain with effort
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      AUNT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INAPT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not elegant or graceful in expression
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INITIAL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INPUT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      signal going into an electronic system
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INTUIT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      know or grasp by intuition or feeling
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LANTANA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a genus of about 150 species of flowering shrub, commonly known as shrub verbenas or lantanas
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LILT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a jaunty rhythm in music
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LINT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      fine ravellings of cotton or linen fibers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NATAL
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      relating to or accompanying birth
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NATANT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAUTILI
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PAINT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid); dries to form a…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PALATAL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word ‘yeast’)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PALATIAL
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      relating to or being a palace
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the noise made by a short puff of steam (as from an engine)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PATINA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a fine coating of oxide (produced by oxidation over a long period of time) on the surface of a metal (particularly copper)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PINATA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      plaything consisting of a container filled with toys and candy; suspended from a height for blindfolded children to break with sticks
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PINT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 gills or 568.26 cubic centimeters
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PINTAIL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      long-necked river duck of the Old and New Worlds having elongated central tail feathers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIPIT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a songbird that lives mainly on the ground in open country; has streaky brown plumage
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PITA
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PITAPAT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PLAINT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a cry of sorrow and grief
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PLAIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PLANT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      buildings for carrying on industrial labor
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PLANTAIN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago; mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PLAT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a map showing planned or actual features of an area (streets and building lots etc.)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PLIANT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      capable of being influenced or formed
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PULPIT
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PUNT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      kick the ball
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PUTT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TAIL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TAINT
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the state of being contaminated
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TALI
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TALL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a garment size for a tall person
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TALLIT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TANNIN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various complex phenolic substances of plant origin; used in tanning and in medicine
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TAPA
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and Pipturus albidus
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TAUNT
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TAUT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      pulled or drawn tight
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TILAPIA
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TILL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      unstratified soil deposited by a glacier; consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TILT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TINT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIPI
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a Native American tent; usually of conical shape
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TITAN
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person of exceptional importance and reputation
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TULIP
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of numerous perennial bulbous herbs having linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and usually a single showy flower
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TUNA
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      tropical American prickly pear of Jamaica
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TUTTI
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TUTU
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      very short skirt worn by ballerinas
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNAPT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNIT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNLIT
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not set afire or burning
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNTIL
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UPLIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UPTILT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    LILLIPUTIAN, NUPTIAL

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-07-12T07:10:02.204Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-07-11 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: A, I, L, N, P, U · totalWords: 62 · totalScore: 271 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-07-10 — centerLetter: E · outerLetters: B, F, L, O, T, U · totalWords: 54 · totalScore: 215 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-07-09 — centerLetter: V · outerLetters: B, D, E, I, M, O · totalWords: 24 · totalScore: 128 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-07-08 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: I, L, R, T, U, Y · totalWords: 21 · totalScore: 79 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-07-07 — centerLetter: P · outerLetters: A, B, D, L, O, R · totalWords: 32 · totalScore: 119 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-07-06 — centerLetter: C · outerLetters: A, E, H, L, N, V · totalWords: 37 · totalScore: 174 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-07-05 — centerLetter: O · outerLetters: D, E, F, I, L, V · totalWords: 54 · totalScore: 232 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-07-04 — centerLetter: B · outerLetters: A, E, H, I, L, T · totalWords: 64 · totalScore: 303 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-07-03 — centerLetter: A · outerLetters: D, I, L, N, O, R · totalWords: 63 · totalScore: 235 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Friday
    • 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
    • 2026-06-30 — centerLetter: O · outerLetters: A, D, H, M, N, W · totalWords: 32 · totalScore: 124 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Saturday
    Average Words
    51.3
    Average Score
    242.5
    Friday
    Average Words
    51.8
    Average Score
    209
    Thursday
    Average Words
    38
    Average Score
    176.3
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    44.5
    Average Score
    191.3
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    31
    Average Score
    127.3
    Monday
    Average Words
    46.3
    Average Score
    210.8
    Sunday
    Average Words
    43.8
    Average Score
    227.3
    Center Vowel Share
    0.29
    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
    2026-07-08
    Center Letter
    G
    Outer Letters
    I, L, R, T, U, Y
    Total Words
    21
    Total Score
    79
    Pangram Count
    1
    Weekday
    Wednesday
    Pangram Count Distribution
    1
    16
    2
    7
    3
    5

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261007T011442Z

    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.