Spelling Bee Answers — August 23, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from August 23, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #15943

    Sunday, August 23, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center M; outer B, E, I, N, T, U

    Official totals
    Total Words
    38
    Pangram Count
    1
    Length histogram
    4
    18
    5
    4
    6
    9
    8
    3
    Other
    4
    Two-letter list
    OTHER
    38
    Letter-by-length grid
    M
    4
    13
    OTHER
    Total
    25
    Pangram shape
    Count
    1
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. M is required in every answer, with 6 outer letters around it.
    2. A complete solve is 38 words, with 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

    Sunday, August 23, 2026

    Today's Letters

    B
    E
    I
    M
    N
    T
    U

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    153Max Points
    38Words Found
    1Pangrams
    4.0Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangram for Sunday, August 23, 2026 was BITUMEN, out of 38 total words worth 153 points.

    Solution Details

    B (3)

    benumbbienniumbitumen

    E (2)

    eminentemit

    I (5)

    imbibeimbueimminentimmuneitem

    M (21)

    meetmemementeemenumetemienmimemineminiminimminimummintminuetminuteminutemenmitemittmittenmutemuttmuumuu

    N (2)

    nimbinumb

    T (3)

    teemtenementtime

    U (2)

    unmetunmute

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-08-22

    Center Letter
    I
    Outer Letters
    A, C, N, R, T, U
    Words
    • Word
      CURTAIN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      TACITURN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      habitually reserved and uncommunicative
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ACACIA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ACAI
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANTARCTIC
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      at or near the south pole
      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
      ANTIC
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ARANCINI
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ARCTIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ARIA
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      4
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an elaborate song for solo voice
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ARNICA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      used especially in treating bruises
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ATRIA
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      5
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ATTAIN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      to gain with effort
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ATTIC
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens and Ionia
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CACTI
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAIRN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CANTINA
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CIRCA
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CIRCUIT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CIRRI
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CITRIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or related to citric acid
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CRANIA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CRITIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INCANT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INCUR
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INTACT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged
      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
      INURN
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IRRITANT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      something that causes irritation and annoyance
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NIACIN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NITRIC
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or containing nitrogen
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RAIN
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RAITA
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RANI
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (the feminine of raja) a Hindu princess or the wife of a raja
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RICIN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a toxic protein extracted from castor beans; used as a chemical reagent; can be used as a bioweapon
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RUIN
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      RUNIC
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      relating to or consisting of runes
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TACIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      implied by or inferred from actions or statements
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TACTIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a plan for attaining a particular goal
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TACTICIAN
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person who is skilled at planning tactics
      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
      TANNIC
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      derived from tannin
      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
      TANTRIC
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or relating to Tantrism
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIARA
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TINCT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      color lightly
      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
      TITAN
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person of exceptional importance and reputation
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TITANIC
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of great force or power
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TRAIN
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TRAIT
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TUNIC
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an enveloping or covering membrane or layer of body tissue
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TUTTI
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      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
      UNITARIAN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      adherent of Unitarianism
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      URIC
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      in or relating to or obtained from urine
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    CURTAIN, TACITURN

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-08-23T07:04:29.378Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-08-22 — centerLetter: I · outerLetters: A, C, N, R, T, U · totalWords: 56 · totalScore: 304 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-08-21 — centerLetter: U · outerLetters: D, G, H, N, O, R · totalWords: 23 · totalScore: 95 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-08-20 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: G, I, N, O, Q, U · totalWords: 47 · totalScore: 262 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-08-19 — centerLetter: V · outerLetters: E, L, N, O, P, R · totalWords: 41 · totalScore: 211 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-08-18 — centerLetter: B · outerLetters: A, D, E, G, H, N · totalWords: 42 · totalScore: 228 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-08-17 — centerLetter: O · outerLetters: D, G, I, P, R, Y · totalWords: 38 · totalScore: 115 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-08-16 — centerLetter: C · outerLetters: B, D, E, L, O, U · totalWords: 52 · totalScore: 257 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-08-15 — centerLetter: O · outerLetters: A, C, D, H, I, R · totalWords: 51 · totalScore: 218 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 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
    • 2026-08-10 — 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
    • 2026-08-07 — 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Saturday
    Average Words
    54.1
    Average Score
    264.8
    Friday
    Average Words
    43.4
    Average Score
    193.9
    Thursday
    Average Words
    35.8
    Average Score
    173.1
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    36.4
    Average Score
    152.4
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    33.6
    Average Score
    145.8
    Monday
    Average Words
    42.1
    Average Score
    180.9
    Sunday
    Average Words
    50.3
    Average Score
    253.1
    Center Vowel Share
    0.27
    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
    37
    2
    15
    3
    7

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261007T011450Z

    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.