Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-12-29
LIVED → BONUS
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects LIVED to BONUS in 7 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
LIVED → LINED
Change the 3rd letter V to N, turning LIVED into LINED.
Step 2
LINED → LINES
Change the 5th letter D to S, turning LINED into LINES.
Step 3
LINES → LANES
Change the 2nd letter I to A, turning LINES into LANES.
Step 4
LANES → LANDS
Change the 4th letter E to D, turning LANES into LANDS.
Step 5
LANDS → BANDS
Change the 1st letter L to B, turning LANDS into BANDS.
Step 6
BANDS → BONDS
Change the 2nd letter A to O, turning BANDS into BONDS.
Step 7
BONDS → BONUS
Change the 4th letter D to U, turning BONDS into BONUS.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 1, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 2, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 2, 4 (2).
Change sequence: 3, 5, 2, 4, 1, 2, 4.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 1, C→V 1, C→C 3.
Word stats: 8 words, 11 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from LIVED to BONUS?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from LIVED to BONUS takes exactly 7 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
LIVED
LINED
LINES
LANES
LANDS
BANDS
BONDS
BONUS