Spelling Bee Answers — October 9, 2026

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

    Daily brief

    Spelling bee #24750

    Friday, October 9, 2026

    ready

    Updated

    Today's hints

    Hive: center Y; outer E, G, I, L, N, T

    Official totals
    Total Words
    37
    Pangram Count
    4
    Length histogram
    4
    8
    5
    11
    6
    10
    7
    2
    9
    3
    Other
    3
    Two-letter list
    OTHER
    37
    Letter-by-length grid
    OTHER
    Total
    37
    Pangram shape
    Count
    4
    Starts With Center
    No
    1. Every word must use Y; 6 other letters are available.
    2. There are 37 accepted words and 4 pangrams to find.

    Difficulty: 3

    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

    Friday, October 9, 2026

    Today's Letters

    E
    G
    I
    Y
    L
    N
    T

    Create words using letters from the hive. Words must:

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

    224Max Points
    37Words Found
    4Pangrams
    6.1Avg Points/Word

    The Spelling Bee pangrams for Friday, October 9, 2026 were GENTILITY, INTELLIGENTLY, NEGLIGENTLY, TELLINGLY, out of 37 total words worth 224 points.

    Solution Details

    E (7)

    eelyeggyelegyentityeyeingeyeleteying

    G (3)

    gentilitygentlygiggly

    I (4)

    illyintelligentlyintentlyitty

    L (6)

    leggylenientlylenitylilylintylying

    N (5)

    negligentlynettynigglyninetyninny

    T (7)

    teenytellinglytinglytinilytinnytinytying

    Y (5)

    yellyellingyenningyenteyeti

    Yesterday's full result

    2026-10-08

    Center Letter
    N
    Outer Letters
    A, C, E, H, I, M
    Words
    • Word
      MACHINE
      Scrabble Score
      14
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      MECHANIC
      Scrabble Score
      17
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools
      Is Pangram
      Yes
    • Word
      ACNE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      AMEN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANEMIA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a deficiency of red blood cells
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANEMIC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      lacking vigor or energy
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANIMA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      (Jungian psychology) the inner self (not the external persona) that is in touch with the unconscious
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ANIME
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a hard copal derived from an African tree
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CAIMAN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a semiaquatic reptile of Central and South America that resembles an alligator but has a more heavily armored belly
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CANCAN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a high-kicking dance of French origin performed by a female chorus line
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CANE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a stick that people can lean on to help them walk
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CANINE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      one of the four pointed conical teeth (two in each jaw) located between the incisors and the premolars
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CANNA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any plant of the genus Canna having large sheathing leaves and clusters of large showy flowers
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHAIN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHANCE
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      15
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHIN
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      Kamarupan languages spoken in western Burma and Bangladesh and easternmost India
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CHINA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      high quality porcelain originally made only in China
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CINCH
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any undertaking that is easy to do
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      CINEMA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a medium that disseminates moving pictures
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ECHINACEA
      Scrabble Score
      16
      Wwf Score
      18
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      EMINENCE
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      16
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      high status importance owing to marked superiority
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENCHAIN
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      restrain or bind with chains
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENEMA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ENHANCE
      Scrabble Score
      12
      Wwf Score
      14
      Part Of Speech
      v
      Definition
      increase the level of
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HEINIE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      9
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HENCE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      adv
      Definition
      from this place
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HENCHMAN
      Scrabble Score
      18
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a man who assists in a plot
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HENCHMEN
      Scrabble Score
      18
      Wwf Score
      20
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      HENNA
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a reddish brown dye used especially on hair
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ICEMAN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a male professional killer
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      ICEMEN
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      IMMINENCE
      Scrabble Score
      15
      Wwf Score
      20
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the state of being imminent and liable to happen soon
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INANE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      extremely silly or stupid
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INCH
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      INNIE
      Scrabble Score
      5
      Wwf Score
      7
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MAIN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      any very large body of (salt) water
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANIA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANIAC
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an insane person
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANIC
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      affected with or marked by frenzy or mania uncontrolled by reason
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MANNA
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      hardened sugary exudation of various trees
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MEAN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MEANIE
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      10
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a person of mean disposition
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MENACE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      something that is a source of danger
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MIEN
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      dignified manner or conduct
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINCE
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      food chopped into small bits
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINI
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a very short skirt
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINICAM
      Scrabble Score
      13
      Wwf Score
      17
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINIM
      Scrabble Score
      9
      Wwf Score
      12
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 1/60th fluid dram or 0.059194 cubic centimeters
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      MINIMA
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      13
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAAN
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      leavened bread baked in a clay oven in India; usually shaped like a teardrop
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NAME
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a language unit by which a person or thing is known
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NANA
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NENE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NIACIN
      Scrabble Score
      8
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NICE
      Scrabble Score
      6
      Wwf Score
      8
      Part Of Speech
      adj
      Definition
      pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NICHE
      Scrabble Score
      10
      Wwf Score
      11
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a position particularly well suited to the person who or organization which occupies it
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NIECE
      Scrabble Score
      7
      Wwf Score
      9
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      a daughter of your brother or sister
      Is Pangram
      No
    • Word
      NINE
      Scrabble Score
      4
      Wwf Score
      6
      Part Of Speech
      n
      Definition
      the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
      Is Pangram
      No
    Pangrams
    MACHINE, MECHANIC

    Source verification

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

    Checked 2026-10-09T07:30:02.221Z

    Recent answers

    • 2026-10-08 — centerLetter: N · outerLetters: A, C, E, H, I, M · totalWords: 60 · totalScore: 289 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Thursday
    • 2026-10-07 — centerLetter: A · outerLetters: B, D, F, L, O, R · totalWords: 53 · totalScore: 202 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Wednesday
    • 2026-10-06 — centerLetter: C · outerLetters: D, E, H, N, O, T · totalWords: 62 · totalScore: 340 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Tuesday
    • 2026-10-05 — centerLetter: V · outerLetters: A, I, L, O, R, T · totalWords: 24 · totalScore: 125 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Monday
    • 2026-10-04 — centerLetter: G · outerLetters: H, I, N, O, P, W · totalWords: 51 · totalScore: 304 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Sunday
    • 2026-10-03 — centerLetter: I · outerLetters: A, B, C, H, L, N · totalWords: 46 · totalScore: 233 · pangramCount: 2 · weekday: Saturday
    • 2026-10-02 — centerLetter: T · outerLetters: A, I, L, M, N, P · totalWords: 56 · totalScore: 257 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Friday
    • 2026-10-01 — centerLetter: H · outerLetters: D, E, M, N, O, Y · totalWords: 23 · totalScore: 116 · pangramCount: 1 · weekday: Thursday
    • 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

    Archive statistics

    Averages By Weekday
    Thursday
    Average Words
    41.9
    Average Score
    194.8
    Wednesday
    Average Words
    42.8
    Average Score
    183.7
    Tuesday
    Average Words
    37.5
    Average Score
    175.7
    Monday
    Average Words
    42.8
    Average Score
    183.3
    Sunday
    Average Words
    54.5
    Average Score
    274.6
    Saturday
    Average Words
    50.3
    Average Score
    243.9
    Friday
    Average Words
    45.4
    Average Score
    210.5
    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
    66
    2
    31
    3
    10
    4
    2

    How this brief was computed

    Hint classes: computed

    Generated lines used: 0

    Verification run: 20261009T074501Z

    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.