Spelling Bee Answers — September 30, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from September 30, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #14897

    Wednesday, September 30, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center P; outer A, C, D, E, K, N

    Official totals
    Total Words
    62
    Pangram Count
    2
    Length histogram
    4
    19
    5
    12
    6
    18
    7
    6
    8
    4
    10
    3
    Two-letter list
    OTHER
    62
    Letter-by-length grid
    P
    4
    12
    6
    11
    OTHER
    Total
    39
    Pangram shape
    Count
    2
    Starts With Center
    Yes
    1. Build from a center P and 6 letters on the rim.
    2. A complete solve is 62 words, with 2 pangrams.

    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

    Wednesday, September 30, 2026

    Today's Letters

    A
    C
    D
    P
    E
    K
    N

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    305Max Points
    62Words Found
    2Pangrams
    4.9Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Wednesday, September 30, 2026 were KNEECAPPED, PANCAKED, out of 62 total words worth 305 points.

    Solution Details

    A (5)

    ►

    C (4)

    ►

    D (9)

    ►

    E (1)

    ►

    K (5)

    ►

    N (3)

    ►

    P (35)

    ►

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-29

    Center Letter
    V
    Outer Letters
    E, G, I, N, O, T
    Words
    • Word
      VETOING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      EVEN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EVENING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EVENT
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      something that happens at a given place and time
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GIVE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GIVEN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an assumption that is taken for granted
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      GIVING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of giving
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVENT
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVENTING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      18
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVENTION
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the creation of something in the mind
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVENTIVE
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      19
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      (used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVITE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a colloquial expression for invitation
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVITEE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INVITING
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      attractive and tempting
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NONEVENT
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an anticipated event that turns out to be far less significant than was expected
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NONVOTING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      18
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      OGIVE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      front consisting of the conical head of a missile or rocket that protects the payload from heat during its passage through the atmosphere
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      OVEN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      OVINE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      of or pertaining to or of the nature of or characteristic of a sheep or sheep
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VEGGIE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VEGGING
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      18
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VEIN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VEINING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VENT
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a hole for the escape of gas or air
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VENTING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the act of venting
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VETO
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a vote that blocks a decision
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VETTING
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VIGNETTE
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a brief literary description
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VINE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VOTE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VOTING
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      VOTIVE
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      dedicated in fulfillment of a vow
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    VETOING

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-09-30T07:30:02.353Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-29 — centerLetter: V · outerLetters: E, G, I, N, O, T · totalWords: 32 · totalScore: 180 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-09-28 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: C, D, N, O, R, U · totalWords: 45 · totalScore: 198 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Monday
    • 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
    • 2026-09-23 — 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
    • 2026-09-15 — 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
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    38
    Average Score
    178.9
    Monday
    Average Words
    42.5
    Average Score
    180.2
    Sunday
    Average Words
    53.1
    Average Score
    263.2
    Saturday
    Average Words
    48.9
    Average Score
    234.3
    Friday
    Average Words
    44.7
    Average Score
    207.4
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    35.9
    Average Score
    154.8
    Thursday
    Average Words
    41.1
    Average Score
    193.2
    Center Vowel Share
    0.25
    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
    63
    2
    27
    3
    10
    4
    2

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20260930T074501Z

    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.