Word Ladder
About Word Ladder
Word Ladder is an online version of the classic puzzle invented by Lewis Carroll. You transform one word into another by changing a single letter at a time, and every intermediate step must be a valid word. For example, turning COLD into WARM step by step.
Planning matters: a careless change can lead to a dead end. Solving efficiently earns more rewards, so it's worth thinking about the shortest route.
Word ladders are a classic way to stretch vocabulary and logical thinking at the same time. It's well suited to word lovers, students and anyone who enjoys a puzzle with a clear, elegant rule. Each puzzle is short, so it's easy to fit one in during a quick break. Short ladders are easy, but longer ones genuinely stretch vocabulary.
How to Play Word Ladder
- Look at the start word and target word.
- Replace one letter to make a new valid word.
- Keep going until you reach the target word.
- Avoid dead ends by planning ahead.
Word Ladder Tips & Tricks
- Work out which letters already match the target and keep them.
- Vowels are often the easiest letters to change.
- If stuck, work backwards from the target word.
Word Ladder FAQ
What is a word ladder?
A puzzle where you change one letter at a time to turn one word into another.
Does every step need to be a word?
Yes, each step must be valid.
Who invented the word ladder puzzle?
The idea is credited to Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, who called it Doublets.
More like this: all 21 Word Games games
More Games Like Word Ladder
