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.

About today’s puzzle

Today’s New York Times Spelling Bee brings a cozy and inviting vibe with the pangram— a word that instantly conjures images of connection, warmth, and shared moments.

This grid feels social and lighthearted, yet it carries a subtle depth. Just like a well-set table, the puzzle offers variety — a mix of comforting short words and refined longer ones that satisfy both casual players and perfectionists.

Center Letter: O
Outer Letters: C, E, H, L, N, U

NYT Spelling Bee Answers: 18 October 2025

Today’s letters — O, C, E, H, L, N, U — create a mix of balanced, smooth-flowing words. There’s a rhythm to them that mirrors conversation over a slow lunch — unhurried, meaningful, and full of little surprises.

Here are some of the standout words:

  • LONE
  • CLONE
  • HELLO
  • COLONEL
  • NUCLEON
  • NOEL
  • CELL
  • HULL
  • LUNE
  • UNCOOL
  • NULL
  • CELLO
  • COUCH

Pangram of the Day

The pangram LUNCHEON embodies nourishment — not just of the body but of the spirit.

It’s that pause in the middle of a busy day where people connect, share stories, and laugh between bites. In the Spelling Bee world, it’s symbolic of recharging your creative energy.

Quick tactics for any puzzle

  1. Start with the center letter.
    Since every word must include it, try building short “roots” with that letter first, then expand.
  2. 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.
  3. Anagram your discoveries.
    Once you’ve found a word, shuffle its letters around — you’ll often uncover two or three more.
  4. Use repeated letters.
    Remember, the same letter can appear more than once. Doubling letters opens up words you might otherwise overlook.
  5. 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.

Final Thoughts

Today’s grid feels like a cozy afternoon shared with good company — rich with laughter, layered conversation, and the kind of warmth that doesn’t need words.

The pangram LUNCHEON ties it all together beautifully: a reminder that sometimes nourishment isn’t about what you consume, but who and what you share your time with.