Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-08-22
SHAKE → ROADS
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects SHAKE to ROADS in 8 steps. This 5-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?
Play This PuzzleStep-by-Step Solution
Step 1
SHAKE → STAKE
Change the 2nd letter H to T, turning SHAKE into STAKE.
Step 2
STAKE → STATE
Change the 4th letter K to T, turning STAKE into STATE.
Step 3
STATE → STATS
Change the 5th letter E to S, turning STATE into STATS.
Step 4
STATS → SEATS
Change the 2nd letter T to E, turning STATS into SEATS.
Step 5
SEATS → BEATS
Change the 1st letter S to B, turning SEATS into BEATS.
Step 6
BEATS → BEADS
Change the 4th letter T to D, turning BEATS into BEADS.
Step 7
BEADS → READS
Change the 1st letter B to R, turning BEADS into READS.
Step 8
READS → ROADS
Change the 2nd letter E to O, turning READS into ROADS.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 3, pos 4: 2, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 2 (3).
Change sequence: 2, 4, 5, 2, 1, 4, 1, 2.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 1, C→V 1, C→C 5.
Word stats: 9 words, 10 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from SHAKE to ROADS?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from SHAKE to ROADS takes exactly 8 steps.
Q: Any tips for today's puzzle?
A: This puzzle involves 5-letter words. A good strategy is to look for common intermediate words or focus on changing vowels first.
Q: Where can I play past Word Ladder puzzles?
A: You can access our complete archive by clicking the "Puzzle Archive" link at the bottom of the page.
Word Definitions
SHAKE
STAKE
STATE
STATS
SEATS
BEATS
BEADS
READS
ROADS