Spelling Bee Answers — September 8, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from September 8, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #21816

    Tuesday, September 8, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center I; outer A, C, E, F, L, T

    1. Every word must use I; 6 other letters are available.

    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

    Tuesday, September 8, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    C
    E
    I
    F
    L
    T

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    309Max Points
    66Words Found
    2Pangrams
    4.7Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 were FACELIFT, FACILITATE, out of 66 total words worth 309 points.

    Solution Details

    A (8)

    ►

    C (8)

    ►

    E (3)

    ►

    F (15)

    ►

    I (5)

    ►

    L (13)

    ►

    T (14)

    ►

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-07

    Center Letter
    P
    Outer Letters
    C, D, E, H, I, T
    Words
    • Word
      PITCHED
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      set at a slant
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      CHEEP
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the short weak cry of a young bird
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHEEPED
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHIP
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHIPPED
      Scrabble Score
      17
      Wwf Score
      19
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEEP
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the central and most intense or profound part
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEPICT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      show in, or as in, a picture
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEPICTED
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      represented graphically by sketch or design or lines
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEPTH
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the extent downward or backward or inward
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DIPPED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EPEE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EPIC
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EPITHET
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a defamatory or abusive word or phrase
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HIPPIE
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      someone who rejects the established culture; advocates extreme liberalism in politics and lifestyle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEEP
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the short weak cry of a young bird
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEEPED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEPPED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEPTIC
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      relating to or promoting digestion
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEPTIDE
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      amide combining the amino group of one amino acid with the carboxyl group of another; usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of protein
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PETIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PETITE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a garment size for short or slender women
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PETTED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIECE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a separate part of a whole
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIECED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIPE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIPED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIPET
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid by drawing the liquid up…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIPETTE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid by drawing the liquid up…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PIPIT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a songbird that lives mainly on the ground in open country; has streaky brown plumage
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PITCH
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PITH
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      soft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PITIED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PITTED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      pitted with cell-like cavities (as a honeycomb)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEEPEE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a Native American tent; usually of conical shape
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEPEE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a Native American tent; usually of conical shape
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TEPID
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      moderately warm
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIPI
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a Native American tent; usually of conical shape
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIPPED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having a tip; or having a tip as specified (used in combination)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIPPET
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a woman's fur shoulder cape with hanging ends; often consisting of the whole fur of a fox or marten
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    PITCHED

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-09-08T07:30:01.836Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-07 — centerLetter: P · outerLetters: C, D, E, H, I, T · totalWords: 41 · totalScore: 201 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-09-06 — centerLetter: B · outerLetters: A, D, E, G, N, O · totalWords: 68 · totalScore: 320 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-09-05 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: A, C, G, I, K, N · totalWords: 47 · totalScore: 253 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-09-04 — centerLetter: D · outerLetters: A, E, L, N, Y, Z · totalWords: 66 · totalScore: 297 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-08-31 — centerLetter: L · outerLetters: A, B, D, O, R, Y · totalWords: 60 · totalScore: 276 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Monday
    • 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
    • 2026-08-21 — 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
    Monday
    Average Words
    47.1
    Average Score
    200.4
    Sunday
    Average Words
    50.8
    Average Score
    250.3
    Saturday
    Average Words
    45.4
    Average Score
    219.1
    Friday
    Average Words
    44.4
    Average Score
    202.6
    Thursday
    Average Words
    39
    Average Score
    190.3
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    38.7
    Average Score
    164.9
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    40.2
    Average Score
    192.7
    Center Vowel Share
    0.2
    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
    18
    3
    9

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20260908T190819Z

    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.