If you’ve ever played the New York Times Spelling Bee, you know how satisfying it feels to find that one word hiding in plain sight. Today’s puzzle is especially fun because the combinations are both straightforward and a little tricky. In this post, you’ll see the full word list you can make, learn some strategies to help you solve puzzles faster, and get a chance to share any words you spotted that aren’t listed here.
About today’s puzzle
With A as the center letter, today’s hive leans heavily into classic word-building patterns. The mix of C, D, G, I, N, and T creates a balance of sharp consonants and flexible vowels. The grid feels open once you crack a few base words, but longer answers require patience and careful recombination.
NYT Spelling Bee Words and Answers: January 18 2026
Here’s a best-effort list of words that fit today’s rules. Keep in mind: some are rare or unusual, so the official NYT list may vary.
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ACAI
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ACACIA
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ACID
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ACIDIC
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ACING
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ACTING
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ADDICT
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ADDICTING
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ANTACID
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ANTIC
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ATTIC
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CACTI
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CADGING
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CAGING
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CANCAN
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CANDID
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CANID
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CANING
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CANNA
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CANNING
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CANT
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CANTATA
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CANTINA
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CICADA
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CITING
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DANCING
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DICING
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DICTA
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DIDACT
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DIDACTIC
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GIGANTIC
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ICING
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INCANT
Pangram of the day
Today’s standout pangram is INDICATING, a long and satisfying word that pulls together every letter in the hive. It works beautifully by chaining common prefixes and endings while looping in the trickier consonants. Once you spot its structure, it often helps unlock other long words hiding nearby.
Quick tactics for any puzzle
- Start with the center letter.
Since every word must include it, try building short “roots” with that letter first, then expand. - Play with prefixes and suffixes.
Look for common starters (like re-, pre-, tri-) and endings (like -er, -ry, -ing). These patterns often unlock multiple words. - Anagram your discoveries.
Once you’ve found a word, shuffle its letters around — you’ll often uncover two or three more. - Use repeated letters.
Remember, the same letter can appear more than once. Doubling letters opens up words you might otherwise overlook. - Hunt for pangrams.
Try to use all seven letters at least once. Pangrams aren’t always easy, but when you find one, it feels like striking gold.
Habits to sharpen your skills
- Begin with easy 4-letter words to get your brain moving.
- Rotate vowels and consonants through different combinations to see what “clicks.”
- Step away and return later — fresh eyes will catch words you missed.
Optional tools if you want extra help
- Pen and paper. Writing the letters down or sketching patterns can reveal hidden words.
- Word-finding apps. Great for study or practice, but use sparingly if you want to keep the challenge.
- Personal word journal. Track words you miss often — over time, you’ll train yourself to recognize them quickly.
Wrap-up
Today’s word hive highlights why the NYT Spelling Bee remains such a popular daily word game. Exploring letter combinations, spotting patterns, and building longer words all contribute to a rewarding experience that keeps players coming back each day. Did you uncover more words than expected or stumble on a surprising favorite? Share your score, best finds, or strategies in the comments and join the conversation.
