Spelling Bee Answers — September 5, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from September 5, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #23300

    Saturday, September 5, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center M; outer A, C, G, I, K, N

    Official totals
    Total Words
    47
    Total Score
    253
    Pangram Count
    1
    Length histogram
    4
    10
    5
    12
    6
    11
    7
    8
    8
    2
    9
    2
    10
    2
    1. Keep M in each word while drawing from 6 outer choices.
    2. There are 47 accepted words on the way to 253 points 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, September 5, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    C
    G
    M
    I
    K
    N

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    253Max Points
    47Words Found
    1Pangrams
    5.4Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangram for Saturday, September 5, 2026 was NICKNAMING, out of 47 total words worth 253 points.

    Solution Details

    A (2)

    aiminganima

    C (2)

    caimancami

    G (5)

    gamingaminggammagimmickgimmicking

    I (3)

    imagingimaginingimam

    M (33)

    macingmagimagicmagicianmagmamaimmaimingmainmakimakingmamamammamanagingmanakinmangamaniamaniacmanicmanikinmannamanningmicamikingmimicmimickingmimingmincingminiminicamminimminimaminingmink

    N (2)

    namingnicknaming

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-04

    Center Letter
    D
    Outer Letters
    A, E, L, N, Y, Z
    Words
    • Word
      ANALYZED
      Scrabble Score
      21
      Wwf Score
      22
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      examined carefully and methodically; broken down for consideration of constituent parts
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ADDED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADDEND
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a number that is added to another number (the augend)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADDENDA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADDLE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      mix up or confuse
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADDLED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      confused and vague; used especially of thinking
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ADZE
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an edge tool used to cut and shape wood
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ALLAYED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANNEALED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DADDY
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DALE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an open river valley (in a hilly area)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DALLY
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      behave carelessly or indifferently
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DANDLE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      move (a baby) up and down in one's arms or on one's knees
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DANDLED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DANDY
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAZE
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAZED
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      in a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from shock
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAZEDLY
      Scrabble Score
      21
      Wwf Score
      21
      Part Of Speech
      adv
      Definition
      in a daze; in a dazed manner
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAZZLE
      Scrabble Score
      25
      Wwf Score
      26
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      brightness enough to blind partially and temporarily
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAZZLED
      Scrabble Score
      27
      Wwf Score
      28
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having vision overcome temporarily by or as if by intense light
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEAD
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      people who are no longer living
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEADEN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEADENED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      devoid of physical sensation; numb
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEADEYE
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a dead shot
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEADLY
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      causing or capable of causing death
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEAL
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a particular instance of buying or selling
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEAN
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEED
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEEDED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DELAY
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      time during which some action is awaited
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DELAYED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not as far along as normal in development
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DELL
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a small wooded hollow
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DENY
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      declare untrue; contradict
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DYAD
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      two items of the same kind
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DYED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      (used of color) artificially produced; not natural
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DYNE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 cm/sec/sec to a mass of 1 gram
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EDDY
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a miniature whirlpool or whirlwind resulting when the current of a fluid doubles back on itself
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ELAND
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      either of two large African antelopes of the genus Taurotragus having short spirally twisted horns in both sexes
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENDED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having come or been brought to a conclusion
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENNEAD
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EYED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature especially as specified; often used in combination
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LADE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      remove with or as if with a ladle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LADED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LADEN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      remove with or as if with a ladle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LADLE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LADLED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LADY
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a polite name for any woman
      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
      LANDED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      owning or consisting of land or real estate
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LANDLADY
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a landlord who is a woman
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LAZED
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEAD
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      take somebody somewhere
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEADED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      treated or mixed with lead
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEADEN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      darkened with overcast
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEADENLY
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEANED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEDE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEND
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      bestow a quality on
      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
      NEED
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a condition requiring relief
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEEDED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      necessary for relief or supply
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEEDLE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the leaf of a conifer
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEEDLED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of trees whose leaves are acerate
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEEDY
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      needy people collectively
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      YELLED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      in a vehement outcry
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      YENNED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    ANALYZED

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-09-05T07:30:01.551Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-04 — centerLetter: D · outerLetters: A, E, L, N, Y, Z · totalWords: 66 · totalScore: 297 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-09-03 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: C, E, I, K, L, N · totalWords: 60 · totalScore: 291 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-09-02 — centerLetter: F · outerLetters: A, I, L, N, P, T · totalWords: 31 · totalScore: 138 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 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
    • 2026-08-22 — 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Friday
    Average Words
    43.1
    Average Score
    196.3
    Thursday
    Average Words
    39.4
    Average Score
    187.7
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    38.1
    Average Score
    162.7
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    36
    Average Score
    158.6
    Monday
    Average Words
    43.3
    Average Score
    192.6
    Sunday
    Average Words
    49.6
    Average Score
    248.4
    Saturday
    Average Words
    50.6
    Average Score
    240.4
    Center Vowel Share
    0.25
    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
    42
    2
    19
    3
    7

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20260905T074501Z

    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.