Spelling Bee Answers — August 13, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from August 13, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #27681

    Thursday, August 13, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center N; outer O, Y, A, C, H, L

    Official totals
    Total Words
    39
    Pangram Count
    1
    Length histogram
    4
    10
    5
    15
    6
    11
    Other
    3
    Two-letter list
    CA
    8
    OTHER
    31
    Letter-by-length grid
    C
    6
    8
    OTHER
    Total
    31
    Pangram shape
    Count
    1
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. N is required in every answer, with 6 outer letters around it.
    2. Full-board targets: 39 words and 1 pangram.

    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, August 13, 2026

    Today's Letters

    O
    Y
    A
    N
    C
    H
    L

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    182Max Points
    39Words Found
    1Pangrams
    4.7Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangram for Thursday, August 13, 2026 was HALCYON, out of 39 total words worth 182 points.

    Solution Details

    A (7)

    analanallyanchoannalannoyanonanyhoo

    C (17)

    canalcancancannacannoncannycanolacanoncanyonchancyclanclonalcocooncolcannoncoloncolonyconchcyan

    H (2)

    halcyonhoncho

    L (4)

    llanoloanloonloony

    N (7)

    naannachonananannynonlocalnoonnylon

    O (2)

    onlayonly

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-08-12

    Center Letter
    T
    Outer Letters
    E, G, H, I, W, Y
    Words
    • Word
      WEIGHTY
      Scrabble Score
      17
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having relatively great weight; heavy
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      EIGHT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a group of United States painters founded in 1907 and noted for their realistic depictions of sordid aspects of city life
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EIGHTH
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      position eight in a countable series of things
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EIGHTIETH
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      position 80 in a countable series of things
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EIGHTY
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the cardinal number that is the product of ten and eight
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EYETEETH
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HEIGHT
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ITTY
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEETH
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEETHE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      grow teeth; cut the baby teeth
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      THEE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      THEY
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      THIGH
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the part of the leg between the hip and the knee
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIGHT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      closely constrained or constricted or constricting
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TITHE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a levy of one tenth of something
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TWEE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      affectedly dainty or refined
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TWEET
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a weak chirping sound as of a small bird
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TWIG
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TWIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      someone who is regarded as contemptible
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WEIGHT
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WHET
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      make keen or more acute
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WHIT
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WHITE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person of European descent with a light-skinned or pale complexion
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WIGHT
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a living being
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WITH
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WITTY
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      combining clever conception and facetious expression
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      YETI
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the Himalayas
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    WEIGHTY

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-08-13T07:30:01.879Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-08-12 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: E, G, H, I, W, Y · totalWords: 27 · totalScore: 116 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-08-10 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: A, L, M, O, R, U · totalWords: 39 · totalScore: 146 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-08-09 — centerLetter: H · outerLetters: A, C, E, L, O, T · totalWords: 77 · totalScore: 346 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-08-08 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: E, I, L, T, U, V · totalWords: 31 · totalScore: 102 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-08-07 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: D, E, I, N, P, X · totalWords: 50 · totalScore: 314 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-08-06 — centerLetter: D · outerLetters: A, B, C, I, R, T · totalWords: 32 · totalScore: 140 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-08-05 — centerLetter: Y · outerLetters: A, F, H, K, O, R · totalWords: 17 · totalScore: 82 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-08-03 — centerLetter: D · outerLetters: F, I, L, O, R, Y · totalWords: 36 · totalScore: 136 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-08-01 — centerLetter: R · outerLetters: A, B, C, I, K, T · totalWords: 48 · totalScore: 237 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-07-31 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: A, I, L, O, P, T · totalWords: 48 · totalScore: 164 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-07-30 — centerLetter: H · outerLetters: E, G, N, O, T, U · totalWords: 28 · totalScore: 122 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-07-29 — centerLetter: B · outerLetters: A, D, O, R, T, U · totalWords: 48 · totalScore: 187 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-07-28 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: D, E, G, I, N, P · totalWords: 44 · totalScore: 244 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-07-27 — centerLetter: I · outerLetters: A, C, N, T, V, Y · totalWords: 39 · totalScore: 207 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    38
    Average Score
    161.9
    Monday
    Average Words
    46.1
    Average Score
    190.9
    Sunday
    Average Words
    47.1
    Average Score
    233.5
    Saturday
    Average Words
    50.5
    Average Score
    247.1
    Friday
    Average Words
    44.3
    Average Score
    196.3
    Thursday
    Average Words
    36.1
    Average Score
    171.5
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    34.3
    Average Score
    151.8
    Center Vowel Share
    0.2
    Most Generous
    Date
    2026-08-09
    Center Letter
    H
    Outer Letters
    A, C, E, L, O, T
    Total Words
    77
    Total Score
    346
    Pangram Count
    2
    Weekday
    Sunday
    Least Generous
    Date
    2026-08-05
    Center Letter
    Y
    Outer Letters
    A, F, H, K, O, R
    Total Words
    17
    Total Score
    82
    Pangram Count
    1
    Weekday
    Wednesday
    Pangram Count Distribution
    1
    31
    2
    11
    3
    8

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261007T011449Z

    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.