Find the clue you need
Reveal one answer or the full solution.
- 1
Middle clue 1 — original clue text unavailable
GRADS - 2
Middle clue 2 — original clue text unavailable
GOADS - 3
Middle clue 3 — original clue text unavailable
LOADS - 4
Middle clue 4 — original clue text unavailable
LEADS - 5
Middle clue 5 — original clue text unavailable
LENDS
Top + bottom clue
Reveal the solution to see the two endpoint words.
The complete word ladder
Read from top to bottom. Highlighted letters show what changes from the previous word.
- GRASSTop endpoint
- GRADSGRASS → GRADS changes position 4 from S to D.
- GOADSGRADS → GOADS changes position 2 from R to O.
- LOADSGOADS → LOADS changes position 1 from G to L.
- LEADSLOADS → LEADS changes position 2 from O to E.
- LENDSLEADS → LENDS changes position 3 from A to N.
- LANDSLENDS → LANDS changes position 2 from E to A.
How the endpoints answer the clue
GRASS + LANDS = GRASSLANDS
GRASS is low green vegetation and starts the final environmental term.
Clue meanings and letter changes
| Clue | Answer & meaning | Change from previous word |
|---|---|---|
| Top endpoint | GRASS GRASS is low green vegetation and starts the final environmental term. | Start of ladder |
| Middle clue 1 | GRADS GRADS is an informal abbreviation for graduates. | GRASS → GRADS changes position 4 from S to D. |
| Middle clue 2 | GOADS GOADS means urges or provokes someone into action. | GRADS → GOADS changes position 2 from R to O. |
| Middle clue 3 | LOADS LOADS means large quantities or things being carried. | GOADS → LOADS changes position 1 from G to L. |
| Middle clue 4 | LEADS LEADS can mean prospective customers interested in a service. | LOADS → LEADS changes position 2 from O to E. |
| Middle clue 5 | LENDS LENDS means gives something temporarily with the expectation of return. | LEADS → LENDS changes position 3 from A to N. |
| Bottom endpoint | LANDS LANDS completes GRASSLANDS, broad areas dominated by grasses. | LENDS → LANDS changes position 2 from E to A. |
How to work out the order
GOADS → LOADS is the pivotal handoff: it changes the opening letter and connects the GRADS side to the LEADS side through LOADS.
- Fix GRASS → GRADS → GOADS by tracking changes in the middle positions.
- Use LOADS as the bridge from GOADS to LEADS.
- Complete LEADS → LENDS → LANDS and combine GRASS with LANDS.
One takeaway
A shared suffix reduces the search space. Ignore the fixed S for a moment, solve the four-letter skeleton, and then invite the plural back for the victory photo.
More CrossClimb
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