Spelling Bee Answers — October 1, 2026

    The full word list and pangrams for the NYT Spelling Bee from October 1, 2026.

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #20201

    Thursday, October 1, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center H; outer D, E, M, N, O, Y

    Official totals
    Total Words
    23
    Pangram Count
    1
    Length histogram
    4
    7
    5
    6
    6
    5
    7
    2
    Other
    3
    Two-letter list
    OTHER
    23
    Letter-by-length grid
    OTHER
    Total
    23
    Pangram shape
    Count
    1
    Starts With Center
    Yes
    1. Keep H in each word while drawing from 6 outer choices.
    2. A complete solve is 23 words, with 1 pangram.

    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

    Thursday, October 1, 2026

    Today's Letters

    D
    E
    M
    H
    N
    O
    Y

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    116Max Points
    23Words Found
    1Pangrams
    5.0Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangram for Thursday, October 1, 2026 was HONEYMOONED, out of 23 total words worth 116 points.

    Solution Details

    H (22)

    heedheededhemehemmedhoedhomehomedhomeyhomonymhomonymyhonehonedhoneyhoneyedhoneymoonhoneymoonedhoodhoodedhoodoohooeyhymenhymn

    Y (1)

    yoohoo

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-09-30

    Center Letter
    P
    Outer Letters
    A, C, D, E, K, N
    Words
    • Word
      KNEECAPPED
      Scrabble Score
      21
      Wwf Score
      25
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      PANCAKED
      Scrabble Score
      17
      Wwf Score
      20
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      APACE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adv
      Definition
      with speed
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      APED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      APNEA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      transient cessation of respiration
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      APPEND
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      add to the very end
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      APPENDED
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CANAPE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an appetizer consisting usually of a thin slice of bread or toast spread with caviar or cheese or other savory food
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAPE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a strip of land projecting into a body of water
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAPED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAPPED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      used especially of front teeth having (artificial) crowns
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DAPPED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEADPAN
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      deliberately impassive in manner
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEADPANNED
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      18
      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
      DEEPEN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      make more intense, stronger, or more marked
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEEPENED
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEPEND
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      be contingent upon (something that is elided)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEPENDED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      DEPENDENCE
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
      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
      KAPPA
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the 10th letter of the Greek alphabet
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      KEEP
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the financial means whereby one lives
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      KNEECAP
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      18
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      KNEEPAD
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAPE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the back side of the neck
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAPPED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      (of fabrics) having soft nap produced by brushing
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NEAP
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a less than average tide occurring at the first and third quarters of the moon
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PACE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PACED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PACK
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a large indefinite quantity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PACKED
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      extremely crowed or filled to capacity
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PADDED
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      softened by the addition of cushions or padding
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PAEAN
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a formal expression of praise
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANACEA
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANCAKE
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      18
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a flat cake of thin batter fried on both sides on a griddle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANDA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      large black-and-white herbivorous mammal of bamboo forests of China and Tibet; in some classifications considered a member of the bear…
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANDAN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANED
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PANNED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PAPA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEACE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the state prevailing during the absence of war
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEAK
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the most extreme possible amount or value
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEAKED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      somewhat ill or prone to illness
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PECAN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      wood of a pecan tree
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PECK
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 2 gallons
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PECKED
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEED
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEEK
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a secret look
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEEKED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      14
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEEN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the part of a hammerhead opposite the flat striking surface (may have various shapes)
      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
      PEKE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a Chinese breed of small short-legged dogs with a long silky coat and broad flat muzzle
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PENANCE
      Scrabble Score
      11
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      remorse for your past conduct
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PENCE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEND
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PENDED
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PENNE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      pasta in short tubes with diagonally cut ends
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PENNED
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      PEPPED
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      16
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    KNEECAPPED, PANCAKED

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-10-01T07:30:02.085Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-09-30 — centerLetter: P · outerLetters: A, C, D, E, K, N · totalWords: 62 · totalScore: 305 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 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
    • 2026-09-24 — 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    40.5
    Average Score
    177.4
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    37.7
    Average Score
    178.1
    Monday
    Average Words
    42.4
    Average Score
    181.5
    Sunday
    Average Words
    54.9
    Average Score
    270.2
    Saturday
    Average Words
    50.5
    Average Score
    246.5
    Friday
    Average Words
    44.7
    Average Score
    207.4
    Thursday
    Average Words
    42.9
    Average Score
    198.9
    Center Vowel Share
    0.23
    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
    2026-09-22
    Center Letter
    N
    Outer Letters
    O, Q, U, X, E, I
    Total Words
    18
    Total Score
    78
    Pangram Count
    1
    Weekday
    Tuesday
    Pangram Count Distribution
    1
    62
    2
    29
    3
    9
    4
    2

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261001T074502Z

    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.