Each day, the New York Times Spelling Bee challenges players to squeeze every possible word from a small hive. On January 11, 2026, today’s puzzle asks for words of at least four letters that must include the center letter C. The mix of P, A, I, M, N, and O feels playful but sneaky, rewarding persistence and careful pattern spotting.

About today’s puzzle

With C at the center, this hive leans consonant-heavy but stays flexible thanks to multiple vowels. P shows up constantly, opening doors to playful repeats, while longer builds feel earned. Overall, the puzzle feels open once momentum starts, though early progress can feel slightly restrictive.

NYT Spelling Bee Words and Answers: January 11, 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.

  • APIAN
  • CAMP
  • CAMPO
  • CANOPIC
  • CAPO
  • CAPON
  • CIOPPINO
  • COMP
  • COOP
  • MINICAMP
  • OPINION
  • PAIN
  • PANAMA
  • PANIC
  • PANINI
  • PAPA
  • PIANO
  • PICA
  • PICNIC
  • PIMP
  • PINION
  • PIPPIN
  • POINCIANA
  • POMP
  • POMPANO
  • POMPOM
  • POOP
  • POPPA

Pangram of the day

COMPANION is today’s standout because it smoothly uses every letter in the hive while still feeling like a natural, everyday word. It includes the required center letter C and neatly pulls in P, A, I, M, N, and O without forced repetition. Longer than most finds, it’s satisfying to uncover and often arrives after building smaller related words along the way today for patient solvers everywhere who enjoy clever wordplay.

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 Spelling Bee offers a fun balance of quick wins and longer stretches. Whether you stopped early or chased every last word, it’s a satisfying hive. Share how many you found, and let me know if COMPANION jumped out for you.