Spelling Bee Answers — September 9, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from September 9, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #22702

    Wednesday, September 9, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center R; outer I, L, N, O, P, U

    Official totals
    Total Words
    20
    Total Score
    60
    Pangram Count
    1
    Length histogram
    4
    13
    5
    4
    6
    1
    7
    2
    Two-letter list
    NO
    2
    PO
    4
    PR
    4
    PU
    3
    RO
    2
    OTHER
    5
    Letter-by-length grid
    N
    4
    2
    P
    4
    6
    5
    3
    7
    2
    R
    4
    4
    OTHER
    Total
    3
    Pangram shape
    Count
    1
    Lengths
    7
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. R is required in every answer, with 6 outer letters around it.
    2. The word list totals 20; the score ceiling is 60, and 1 are pangrams.

    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 9, 2026

    Today's Letters

    I
    L
    N
    R
    O
    P
    U

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    60Max Points
    20Words Found
    1Pangrams
    3.0Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangram for Wednesday, September 9, 2026 was PURLOIN, out of 20 total words worth 60 points.

    Solution Details

    I (2)

    inurniron

    N (2)

    noirnori

    P (11)

    poorpornpornopourprionpriorpronounproppurlpurloinpurr

    R (4)

    rillroilrollruin

    U (1)

    unroll

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-08

    Center Letter
    I
    Outer Letters
    A, C, E, F, L, T
    Words
    • Word
      FACELIFT
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      18
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      plastic surgery to remove wrinkles and other signs of aging from your face; an incision is made near the hair line and skin is pulled back…
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      FACILITATE
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      make easier
      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
      ACETIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      relating to or containing acetic acid
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      AFFILIATE
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a subordinate or subsidiary associate; a person who is affiliated with another or with an organization
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      AFFLICT
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      cause great unhappiness for; distress
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ALIT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      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
      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
      CALCITE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a common mineral consisting of crystallized calcium carbonate; a major constituent of limestone
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CATTAIL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      tall erect herbs with sword-shaped leaves; cosmopolitan in fresh and salt marshes
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CELIAC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      belonging to or prescribed for celiac disease
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CELLI
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CILIA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      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
      CLIFF
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a steep high face of rock
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ECLECTIC
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      18
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      someone who selects according to the eclectic method
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ELICIT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ELITE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FACIAL
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      cranial nerve that supplies facial muscles
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FACILE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      superficially impressive, but lacking depth and attention to the true complexities of a subject
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FAIL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      fail to do something; leave something undone
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIAT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIEF
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a piece of land held under the feudal system
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIFE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo; has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FILE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FILET
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a boneless steak cut from the tenderloin of beef
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FILIAL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      designating the generation or the sequence of generations following the parental generation
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FILL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a quantity sufficient to satisfy
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FILLET
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a boneless steak cut from the tenderloin of beef
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLAIL
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a sudden quick movement
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ICEFALL
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a steep part of a glacier resembling a frozen waterfall
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ICICLE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      ice resembling a pendent spear, formed by the freezing of dripping water
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ILIAC
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or relating to the ilium
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ILLICIT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ITALIC
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a branch of the Indo-European languages of which Latin is the chief representative
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LACTIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LAIC
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LAICAL
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LATTICE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an arrangement of points or particles or objects in a regular periodic pattern in 2 or 3 dimensions
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LEFTIE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LICE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LICIT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      sanctioned by custom or morality especially sexual morality
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIFE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a characteristic state or mode of living
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LIFT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of giving temporary assistance
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LILAC
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LILT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a jaunty rhythm in music
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LITE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      having relatively few calories
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LITTLE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a small amount or duration
      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
      TACTICAL
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or pertaining to tactic or tactics
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TACTILE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or relating to or proceeding from the sense of touch
      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
      TALI
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TALLIT
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TIFF
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a quarrel about petty points
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TILE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TILL
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      unstratified soil deposited by a glacier; consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TILT
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      5
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TITILLATE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TITLE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      TITTLE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    FACELIFT, FACILITATE

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-09-09T07:30:01.782Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-08 — centerLetter: I · outerLetters: A, C, E, F, L, T · totalWords: 66 · totalScore: 309 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 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
    • 2026-09-03 — 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
    • 2026-08-30 — 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    41.8
    Average Score
    193.3
    Monday
    Average Words
    44.4
    Average Score
    194.3
    Sunday
    Average Words
    50.2
    Average Score
    246.5
    Saturday
    Average Words
    48.9
    Average Score
    233.5
    Friday
    Average Words
    45.4
    Average Score
    206.9
    Thursday
    Average Words
    40.5
    Average Score
    193.6
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    37.7
    Average Score
    162
    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
    49
    2
    24
    3
    8

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20260909T074501Z

    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.