Color-blind modeAdd patterns so color is not the only cue
Solver display
Show candidates by defaultShow remaining answer candidates in the Solver
Show advanced metricsDisplay detailed word statistics
What “best” means
Rank openers byChoose how the Solver and opener rankings define “best”
Fewest guesses: first maximizes the chance of solving within six, then minimizes average guesses among those wins. Most info: highest entropy on the first guess. Fewest left: smallest average shortlist after the first guess.
Data
Sync profileOptionally keep streaks and progress across devices
This is the permanent record for this puzzle. Choose each clue or answer separately.
By FiveLetterWords · Guide updated . The puzzle date is shown separately.
Publisher archive replay. This is the state returned by Word500's current archive for the selected date. Its yearly schedule repeats; this is not a claim that we captured the original game on that day.
Choose a worked example after solving, or open just the part you need. These explanations are calculated from this recorded puzzle.
Compare the letters after solving
For DECAY, the pattern D_C__ fixes positions 1 and 3. It matches 40 of 14757 words in our independent five-letter dictionary: DACES, DACHA, DACKS, DECAD, DECAF, DECAL, DECAN, DECAY ….
9 dictionary words differ at exactly one position: DECAD, DECAF, DECAL, DECAN, DECOY, DECRY, DELAY, DENAY …. Check that differing position before treating a familiar spelling as the solution.
This comparison explains spelling constraints. These are dictionary matches, not the publisher's accepted guesses or historical answer pool.
Worked Word500 feedback for this answer
A hypothetical SLATE guess against DECAY produces 0 green, 2 yellow and 3 red.
No letter is in its correct position. The two words share A × 1, E × 1, counting each copy at most once. Subtract 0 exact matches from that overlap to obtain 2 misplaced matches.
The game reports totals rather than identifying coloured positions. The positions shown here explain the calculation after revealing the answer. This example belongs to the Advanced answer for this date; it is not a recorded guess or an optimal-opening claim.
Continue with your own clues
Green totals count correct positions; yellow totals count matching letters in other positions.
Recorded from the existing verified source adapter. Source retrieved .
Reproduces the current official archive for the selected date and mode. Its year-relative selection can repeat between years; this is not a claim that the same build was live on the original date.
Letter clues and worked solving examples are deterministic calculations. Record revision: 67de6e7bfe29.
Report a problem; include word500:advanced:main:en:2022-12-09 and revision 67de6e7bfe29.