Have you ever played the New York Times Spelling Bee? If so, you know the satisfaction of finding that one word hidden in plain sight. The challenge is fun because some combinations are straightforward, while others are a little tricky. In this post, you'll find the complete word list, discover strategies to help you solve puzzles more quickly, and have a chance to share any words you found that aren't on the list.

About Today’s Puzzle

Today’s hive came together with T in the middle and B, A, C, K, E, I surrounding it. At first glance, it looked like a tricky puzzle with many short word possibilities — but then, the standout pangram revealed itself: sharp, sneaky, and clever.

Every word had to include T (the center letter), with a minimum length of four letters. The grid was particularly fun because it allowed both playful finds and more unusual words. It had the right mix of obvious entries and head-scratchers that rewarded persistence.

NYT Spelling Bee Answers: 23 September 2025

Some of the highlight words included:

  • Bite
  • Kite
  • Tate
  • Etic
  • Backbite
  • Bait
  • Tactic
  • Take
  • Kite
  • Beckit
  • Takeback

Pangram of the Day

Backbite – today’s star pangram. It fits the letter set perfectly, has a bite to it (literally and figuratively), and feels like the kind of word you don’t often see show up in puzzles.

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.

Wrap-Up

Today’s Spelling Bee was a perfect reminder that even small word lists can pack a punch. With backbite as the pangram, the hive encouraged sharp thinking and rewarded patience. Each find felt like a little victory, and the puzzle as a whole struck a great balance between playful and challenging. Whether you finished quickly or chipped away slowly, this one left you with that classic Spelling Bee satisfaction.