Spelling Bee Answers — August 15, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from August 15, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #10241

    Saturday, August 15, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center O; outer A, C, D, H, I, R

    Official totals
    Total Words
    51
    Pangram Count
    1
    Length histogram
    4
    18
    5
    15
    6
    12
    7
    3
    Other
    3
    Two-letter list
    DO
    4
    HO
    9
    OTHER
    38
    Letter-by-length grid
    C
    4
    7
    5
    7
    OTHER
    Total
    37
    Pangram shape
    Count
    1
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. Today's honeycomb centers on O and adds 6 surrounding letters.
    2. Full-board targets: 51 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

    Saturday, August 15, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    C
    D
    O
    H
    I
    R

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    218Max Points
    51Words Found
    1Pangrams
    4.3Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangram for Saturday, August 15, 2026 was RADICCHIO, out of 51 total words worth 218 points.

    Solution Details

    A (4)

    accordachooarcoardor

    C (20)

    cacaocardiocardioidchadorchoirchordciaocoachcocacoccicochaircocoacodacohocoircordcorridacorridorcroccroci

    D (5)

    dododoodaddoordoradodroid

    H (10)

    hairdohoarhoardhoochhoodhoodoohoorahhorahorridhorror

    I (1)

    ichor

    O (4)

    odororcaorchardorchid

    R (7)

    radicchioradioroachroadroarrococorood

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-08-14

    Center Letter
    M
    Outer Letters
    A, D, G, I, N, T
    Words
    • Word
      ADMITTING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      INTIMIDATING
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      discouraging through fear
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      MANDATING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ADAMANT
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADMAN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      someone whose business is advertising
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADMIN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADMIT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      AIMING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      AMID
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANIMA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (Jungian psychology) the inner self (not the external persona) that is in touch with the unconscious
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANIMATING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      giving spirit and vivacity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAMAGING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      designed or tending to discredit, especially without positive or helpful suggestions
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAMMING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAMMIT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAMN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      something of little value
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAMNING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      threatening with damnation
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DIMMING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GAMIN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (sometimes offensive) a homeless boy who has been abandoned and roams the streets
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GAMING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GAMMA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IMAGING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the ability to form mental images of things or events
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IMAGINING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      18
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IMAM
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (Islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for Shiites an imam is a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law and a spiritual…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IMITATING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INTIMATING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MADAM
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a woman of refinement
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MADMAN
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a male insane person
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAGI
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAGMA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      molten rock in the earth's crust
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAID
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a female domestic
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAIM
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration or mutilation
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAIMING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAIN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any very large body of (salt) water
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAINTAIN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAINTAINING
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      19
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAMA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      informal terms for a mother
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAMMA
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      informal terms for a mother
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANAGING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANGA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      graphic novel that originated in Japan, usually intended for adults and characterized by highly stylized art
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANIA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANNA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      hardened sugary exudation of various trees
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANNING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANTA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a blanket that is used as a cloak or shawl
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MATING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MATTING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a covering of coarse fabric (usually of straw or hemp)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIDI
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a standard protocol for communication between electronic musical instruments and computers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIMING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIND
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINDING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      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
      MINIMA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      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
      MITIGATING
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      18
      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
      NAMING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the verbal act of naming
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TAMING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TATAMI
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIMID
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      people who are fearful and cautious
      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
    ADMITTING, INTIMIDATING, MANDATING

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-08-15T07:25:21.393Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-08-14 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: A, D, G, I, N, T · totalWords: 62 · totalScore: 363 · pangramCount: 3 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-08-13 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: O, Y, A, C, H, L · totalWords: 39 · totalScore: 182 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-08-12 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: E, G, H, I, W, Y · totalWords: 27 · totalScore: 116 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-08-11 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: A, E, L, M, T, Y · totalWords: 70 · totalScore: 350 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-08-10 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: A, L, M, O, R, U · totalWords: 39 · totalScore: 146 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 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
    • 2026-08-02 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: A, C, D, E, H, L · totalWords: 74 · totalScore: 406 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Sunday
    • 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Friday
    Average Words
    46.5
    Average Score
    217.1
    Thursday
    Average Words
    36.4
    Average Score
    172.7
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    38.6
    Average Score
    160.4
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    38.1
    Average Score
    174.7
    Monday
    Average Words
    44.3
    Average Score
    190.8
    Saturday
    Average Words
    49.9
    Average Score
    240
    Sunday
    Average Words
    42.8
    Average Score
    242
    Center Vowel Share
    0.19
    Most Generous
    Date
    2026-08-02
    Center Letter
    N
    Outer Letters
    A, C, D, E, H, L
    Total Words
    74
    Total Score
    406
    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
    32
    2
    13
    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.