Spelling Bee Answers — September 2, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from September 2, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #20917

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center F; outer A, I, L, N, P, T

    1. F is required in every answer, with 6 outer letters around it.

    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

    Wednesday, September 2, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    I
    L
    F
    N
    P
    T

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    138Max Points
    31Words Found
    2Pangrams
    4.5Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Wednesday, September 2, 2026 were FLIPPANT, PLAINTIFF, out of 31 total words worth 138 points.

    Solution Details

    A (3)

    affiantalfalfaantifa

    F (19)

    failfaintfallfantailfatalfiatfilialfillfillipfinalfinialflailflanflapflatflintflipflippantflit

    I (2)

    infantinfill

    L (1)

    lift

    N (1)

    naif

    P (4)

    pfftpilafpitfallplaintiff

    T (1)

    tiff

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-01

    Center Letter
    A
    Outer Letters
    D, I, L, N, T, W
    Words
    • Word
      TAILWIND
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      wind blowing in the same direction as the path of a ship or aircraft
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ALIT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANAL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or related to the anus
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANNAL
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      8
      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
      AWAIT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      look forward to the probable occurrence of
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DATA
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAWN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the first light of day
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DIAL
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the face of a timepiece; graduated to show the hours
      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
      INLAID
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      adorned by inlays
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INLAND
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      situated away from an area's coast or border
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LAID
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      set down according to a plan
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LAIN
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LANAI
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a veranda or roofed patio often furnished and used as a living room
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LAND
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the land on which real estate is located
      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
      LAWN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a field of cultivated and mowed grass
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAAN
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      leavened bread baked in a clay oven in India; usually shaped like a teardrop
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NADA
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a quantity of no importance; thing (object:), singular, negative pronoun; pronoun, thing, singular; quantifier: negative existential
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAIAD
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAIL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NANA
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      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
      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
      TIDAL
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or relating to or caused by tides
      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
      TWAIN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      two items of the same kind
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WAIL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a cry of sorrow and grief
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WAIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      time during which some action is awaited
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WALL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WAND
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a rod used by a magician or water diviner
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WANNA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WANT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a state of extreme poverty
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WATT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a unit of power equal to 1 joule per second; the power dissipated by a current of 1 ampere flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      WILDLAND
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    TAILWIND

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-09-02T07:30:02.530Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-01 — centerLetter: A · outerLetters: D, I, L, N, T, W · totalWords: 44 · totalScore: 151 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-08-31 — centerLetter: L · outerLetters: A, B, D, O, R, Y · totalWords: 60 · totalScore: 276 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Monday
    • 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    40.2
    Average Score
    182.7
    Monday
    Average Words
    45.4
    Average Score
    193.9
    Sunday
    Average Words
    48.7
    Average Score
    240.4
    Saturday
    Average Words
    50.3
    Average Score
    243.9
    Friday
    Average Words
    43.5
    Average Score
    198.7
    Thursday
    Average Words
    39
    Average Score
    190.3
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    38.7
    Average Score
    164.9
    Center Vowel Share
    0.26
    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
    47
    2
    21
    3
    9

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20260902T232954Z

    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.