Spelling Bee Answers — August 31, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from August 31, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #26852

    Monday, August 31, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center L; outer A, B, D, O, R, Y

    Official totals
    Total Words
    60
    Pangram Count
    2
    Length histogram
    4
    19
    5
    18
    6
    12
    7
    7
    8
    4
    Two-letter list
    OTHER
    60
    Letter-by-length grid
    OTHER
    Total
    60
    Pangram shape
    Count
    2
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. Every word must use L; 6 other letters are available.
    2. Queen Bee means finding all 60 words; 2 use every letter.

    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

    Monday, August 31, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    B
    D
    L
    O
    R
    Y

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    276Max Points
    60Words Found
    2Pangrams
    4.6Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Monday, August 31, 2026 were ADORABLY, BROADLY, out of 60 total words worth 276 points.

    Solution Details

    A (5)

    ablyadorablyallayalloyally

    B (21)

    badlybaldbaldlyballballadballadryballboyballyardblabblabbyblobblobbybloodbloodybolaboldboldlybollbollardbolobroadly

    D (11)

    dallydolldollardollydolordrablydrolldrollydrooldroolydryly

    L (14)

    laborladylardloadlobbyloblollylobololllordlordlylordylorryloyalloyally

    O (4)

    oddballoddlyoralorally

    R (5)

    rallyrollrollbarroyalroyally

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-08-30

    Center Letter
    E
    Outer Letters
    C, G, I, N, T, X
    Words
    • Word
      EXCITING
      Scrabble Score
      18
      Wwf Score
      21
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      creating or arousing excitement
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      CENT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a fractional monetary unit of several countries
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CITE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EGGING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENGINE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENTENTE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an informal alliance between countries
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENTICE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENTICING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXCITE
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      arouse or elicit a feeling
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXEC
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the chief executive department of the United States government
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXIGENT
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      demanding attention
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXIT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an opening that permits escape or release
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXITING
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXTENT
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the point or degree to which something extends
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EXTINCT
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      18
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      no longer in existence; lost or especially having died out leaving no living representatives
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GENE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GENETIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      occurring among members of a family usually by heredity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GENIE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (Islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the Koran and believed by Muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GENII
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GENT
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      informal abbreviation of ‘gentleman’
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GETTING
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of acquiring something
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IGNITE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INCITE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      give an incentive for action
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INNIE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INTENT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NENE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NETTING
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEXT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      immediately following in time or order
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NICE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NIECE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a daughter of your brother or sister
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NINE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NINETEEN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the cardinal number that is the sum of eighteen and one
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NITE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEEING
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEEN
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a juvenile between the onset of puberty and maturity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TENET
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TENT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TENTING
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of encamping and living in tents in a camp
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEXT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the words of something written
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEXTING
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of sending messages via SMS
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TINE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      prong on a fork or pitchfork or antler
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TINGE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a slight but appreciable amount
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TINGEING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    EXCITING

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-08-31T07:05:10.158Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-08-30 — centerLetter: E · outerLetters: C, G, I, N, T, X · totalWords: 43 · totalScore: 201 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-08-29 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: A, D, H, I, N, O · totalWords: 42 · totalScore: 184 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-08-28 — centerLetter: V · outerLetters: A, D, I, L, T, Y · totalWords: 21 · totalScore: 119 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-08-27 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: A, M, O, R, W, Y · totalWords: 51 · totalScore: 216 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-08-26 — centerLetter: K · outerLetters: C, D, E, H, N, U · totalWords: 34 · totalScore: 150 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-08-25 — centerLetter: B · outerLetters: G, I, N, O, T, U · totalWords: 40 · totalScore: 218 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-08-24 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: A, D, M, O, R, T · totalWords: 57 · totalScore: 274 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-08-23 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: B, E, I, N, T, U · totalWords: 38 · totalScore: 153 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Sunday
    • 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Sunday
    Average Words
    46.7
    Average Score
    240.9
    Saturday
    Average Words
    48.9
    Average Score
    238
    Friday
    Average Words
    41.6
    Average Score
    195.1
    Thursday
    Average Words
    38.7
    Average Score
    184.7
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    37.4
    Average Score
    165.1
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    39.2
    Average Score
    182
    Monday
    Average Words
    44.9
    Average Score
    191.5
    Center Vowel Share
    0.23
    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
    43
    2
    19
    3
    8

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261007T011452Z

    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.