Wayword
Rate itGrow a web of words from the day's start word until you reach the target, one letter edit at a time.
Every day: One numbered pair of words a day, the same for everyone (#143 on 6 October 2026: waking to trading), to link one letter edit at a time in as few moves as you can. New puzzle: Daily.
Wayword is a daily word ladder where you build a branching graph instead of a single chain. Each new word must be one edit (a letter added, removed or changed) from any word already on the board, and you aim to reach the day's target in as few moves as you can.
About Wayword
Wayword gives you a start word and a target, such as waking and trading on puzzle #143. You type a word that differs by one letter from a word already on the board: change a letter, add one or take one away. The new word joins the board as a node linked to the word it came from.
The difference from a classic ladder is that you are not stuck on one line. Any word you have played can be the base for the next one, so a dead end costs a move but not the puzzle, and the board fills into a small web as you search for a route. Because letters can be added and removed, the two ends do not have to be the same length.
The count of moves so far sits at the top, with a hint button if you are stuck. Beside the Daily there is a Triple mode and Free play.
It suits players who like Weaver-style ladders but want more room to wander.
How to play Wayword
- Read the day's start word and target at the top.
- Select a word on the board, then type a real word one edit away from it: change, add or remove one letter.
- Press Add to put it on the board, linked to the word it came from.
- Keep branching from any word you have until you reach the target, using as few moves as you can.
Screenshots
Tips
- Adding and removing letters lets you change length: plan when to grow the word and when to trim it.
- Work backwards from the target in your head to see which words lead into it.
- A dead end is not wasted: you can branch from any earlier word.
Questions
What counts as one edit in Wayword?
Changing one letter, adding one letter or removing one letter.
Do I have to follow a single chain?
No. Each new word may come from any word already on the board.
Ratings and reviews
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