Jump to a hint level
Show the word gridAll 16 words — you figure out the groups
Show the themesCategory names only, no words revealed
One word per groupTheme name + one word per category
Full solutionAll words and explanations
← Back to hint toolLoad any date with the interactive hint ladder
Word grid
All 16 words, sorted alphabetically. Group them into four categories of four.
ABSENT
BACON
BEANS
BEST
CHEERS
COMIC
ENERGY
LANDING
LOVE
MINUS
PEP
SANS
SINCERELY
SUNSET
WANTING
ZIP
Themes
The four category names, easiest to hardest. No words revealed yet.
LETTER SIGN-OFFSStraightforward
WITHOUTModerate
VIGORTricky
___ STRIPDevious
One word per group
Theme name plus one word from each category.
LETTER SIGN-OFFSStraightforward
WAYS TO CLOSE OUT A WRITTEN MESSAGE BEFORE YOUR NAME+ 3 more…
WITHOUTModerate
WORDS THAT MEAN LACKING OR NOT HAVING SOMETHING+ 3 more…
VIGORTricky
INFORMAL WORDS FOR ENERGY OR LIVELINESS+ 3 more…
___ STRIPDevious
EACH OF THESE WORDS CAN PRECEDE 'STRIP'+ 3 more…
Full solution
LETTER SIGN-OFFSStraightforward
BEST,CHEERS,LOVE,SINCERELY
BEST, CHEERS, LOVE, and SINCERELY are all common valedictions — closing words used at the end of letters or emails before signing your name.
WITHOUTModerate
ABSENT,MINUS,SANS,WANTING
ABSENT, MINUS, SANS, and WANTING all mean 'without' or 'lacking' something.
VIGORTricky
BEANS,ENERGY,PEP,ZIP
BEANS, ENERGY, PEP, and ZIP are all informal or direct terms for vigor, vitality, or lively spirit.
___ STRIPDevious
BACON,COMIC,LANDING,SUNSET
BACON STRIP, COMIC STRIP, LANDING STRIP, and SUNSET STRIP are all common compound phrases using the word STRIP.