Spelling Bee Answers — September 28, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from September 28, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #23215

    Monday, September 28, 2026

    pending

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Today's verified puzzle data is not available yet. Spoiler-safe hints will appear after the source checks complete.

    Spelling Bee Puzzle

    Edited by Sam Ezersky

    Monday, September 28, 2026

    Today's Letters

    C
    D
    N
    T
    O
    R
    U

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    198Max Points
    45Words Found
    2Pangrams
    4.4Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Monday, September 28, 2026 were CONDUCTOR, NONCONDUCTOR, out of 45 total words worth 198 points.

    Solution Details

    C (13)

    coconutconcoctconductconductorcontortcontourcootcottoncountcourtcroutoncurtcutout

    D (3)

    doctordonutduct

    N (1)

    nonconductor

    O (6)

    ontoorotundoutdooutdooroutrooutrun

    R (6)

    rootrotorrotundroutrunoutrunt

    T (14)

    toontoottorntorotorttourtouttrodtrottroutturnturnouttutortutu

    U (2)

    uncutunto

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-27

    Center Letter
    F
    Outer Letters
    D, E, I, L, N, U
    Words
    • Word
      NULLIFIED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      deprived of legal force
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      UNFILED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      UNFILLED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of purchase orders that have not been filled
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      UNFULFILLED
      Scrabble Score
      18
      Wwf Score
      24
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of persons; marked by failure to realize full potentialities
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      DEFEND
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      argue or speak in defense of
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFENDED
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFIED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      11
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFILE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a narrow pass (especially one between mountains)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFILED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      morally blemished; stained or impure
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFINE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      determine the essential quality of
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFINED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      clearly characterized or delimited
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFUND
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEFUNDED
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEIFIED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DUFF
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a stiff flour pudding steamed or boiled usually and containing e.g. currants and raisins and citron
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DUFFEL
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a large cylindrical bag of heavy cloth; for carrying personal belongings
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DUFFLE
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a large cylindrical bag of heavy cloth; for carrying personal belongings
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EDIFIED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      instructed and encouraged in moral, intellectual, and spiritual improvement
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ELFIN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FEED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      food for domestic livestock
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FEEL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an intuitive awareness
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FELID
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various lithe-bodied roundheaded fissiped mammals, many with retractile claws
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FELINE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of various lithe-bodied roundheaded fissiped mammals, many with retractile claws
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FELL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FELLED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FEND
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      try to manage without help
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FENDED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FENNEL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any of several aromatic herbs having edible seeds and leaves and stems
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FEUD
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a bitter quarrel between two parties
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FEUDED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIDDLE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIDDLED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      14
      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
      FIELD
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIELDED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIEND
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a cruel wicked and inhuman person
      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
      FIFED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      12
      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
      FILED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      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
      FILLED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of purchase orders that have been filled
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FIND
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a productive insight
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FINE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      money extracted as a penalty
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FINED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FINNED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLEE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      run away quickly
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLIED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLUE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      flat bladelike projection on the arm of an anchor
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLUFF
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any light downy material
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLUFFED
      Scrabble Score
      17
      Wwf Score
      19
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FLUID
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUDDLE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a confused multitude of things
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUDDLED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      very drunk
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUEL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a substance that can be consumed to produce energy
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUELED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      heated, driven, or produced by burning fuel
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FULFILL
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      put in effect
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FULFILLED
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      completed to perfection
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FULL
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the time when the Moon is fully illuminated
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUND
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUNDED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      furnished with funds
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUNNEL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      FUNNELED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INFIDEL
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person who does not acknowledge your god
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INFIELD
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the area of a baseball field that is enclosed by 3 bases and home plate
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INFILL
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INFILLED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      15
      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
      LIFELINE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a crease on the palm; its length is said by palmists to indicate how long you will live
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LUFF
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of sailing close to the wind
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      LUFFED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEEDFUL
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      necessary for relief or supply
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNDEFENDED
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      19
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not defended or capable of being defended
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNDEFINED
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNFED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not fed
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNFUNDED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      not furnished with funds
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      UNIFIED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      formed or united into a whole
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    NULLIFIED, UNFILED, UNFILLED, UNFULFILLED

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-09-28T07:30:01.965Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-27 — centerLetter: F · outerLetters: D, E, I, L, N, U · totalWords: 78 · totalScore: 431 · pangramCount: 4 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-09-26 — centerLetter: O · outerLetters: C, H, I, M, R, U · totalWords: 30 · totalScore: 140 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-09-25 — centerLetter: C · outerLetters: A, D, E, I, N, V · totalWords: 59 · totalScore: 319 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-09-24 — centerLetter: P · outerLetters: A, B, E, L, O, W · totalWords: 54 · totalScore: 201 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-09-23 — centerLetter: I · outerLetters: D, G, L, N, Y, Z · totalWords: 41 · totalScore: 224 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-09-22 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: O, Q, U, X, E, I · totalWords: 18 · totalScore: 78 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-09-21 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: A, B, E, J, L, Y · totalWords: 26 · totalScore: 105 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-09-20 — centerLetter: H · outerLetters: A, C, E, I, L, T · totalWords: 79 · totalScore: 353 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-09-19 — centerLetter: B · outerLetters: G, I, L, N, O, T · totalWords: 58 · totalScore: 309 · pangramCount: 4 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-09-18 — centerLetter: A · outerLetters: C, I, N, Q, T, U · totalWords: 41 · totalScore: 209 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-09-17 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: A, F, I, L, O, Y · totalWords: 36 · totalScore: 124 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-09-16 — centerLetter: P · outerLetters: D, E, I, N, O, W · totalWords: 55 · totalScore: 248 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-09-15 — centerLetter: M · outerLetters: C, G, I, N, P, R · totalWords: 19 · totalScore: 107 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-09-14 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: A, B, E, O, P, Y · totalWords: 21 · totalScore: 73 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Sunday
    Average Words
    53.3
    Average Score
    267.5
    Saturday
    Average Words
    50.3
    Average Score
    247.2
    Friday
    Average Words
    44.7
    Average Score
    207.4
    Thursday
    Average Words
    40.9
    Average Score
    188.3
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    38.2
    Average Score
    165.6
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    38.1
    Average Score
    178.4
    Monday
    Average Words
    41.1
    Average Score
    173.7
    Center Vowel Share
    0.27
    Most Generous
    Date
    2026-09-20
    Center Letter
    H
    Outer Letters
    A, C, E, I, L, T
    Total Words
    79
    Total Score
    353
    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
    61
    2
    25
    3
    9
    4
    2

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20260928T074502Z

    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.