Letter guide
Words with rare letters
A rare letter in a crossing is a solver’s best friend: very few words fit.
When a rare letter is confirmed in a crossing square, the list of possible answers shrinks fast. The table gives, for each letter, how many words in our list contain it, how many of those have a clue in our set, and a few clued examples.
Q: 1,905 words, 504 with a clue
| Answer | Clue |
|---|---|
| TECHNIQUE | Skillful method |
| CONSEQUENCES | Results |
| QUALIFIED | Having the needed skills |
| ACQUIRED | Gained over time |
| SUBSEQUENT | Coming later |
| LIQUID | Flowing substance |
| EQUALLY | Just as much |
| FREQUENCY | How often |
| HEADQUARTERS | Main office |
| SEQUENCE | Ordered series |
| REQUESTED | Asked for |
| EQUITY | Fairness |
| EQUIPPED | Supplied with gear |
| REQUESTS | Asks for |
| FREQUENT | Common or regular |
| QUEST | Search or mission |
| REQUIREMENT | Necessary condition |
| ACQUISITION | Purchase or takeover |
| EQUALITY | Same status for all |
| INQUIRY | Investigation or question |
X: 3,395 words, 811 with a clue
| Answer | Clue |
|---|---|
| EXPERIENCES | Life events |
| EXPANSION | Growth in scope |
| EXCITING | Full of thrills |
| EXPRESSED | Stated clearly |
| EXTERNAL | From the outside |
| EXPERTS | Skilled people |
| EXPOSED | Left uncovered |
| EXACT | Fully accurate |
| EXTENSIVE | Large in scope |
| EXISTS | Is real |
| EXTENT | Range or degree |
| EXTENSION | Addition or prolonging |
| ANXIETY | Nervous unease |
| EXPLANATION | Clarifying account |
| EXPOSURE | Being uncovered |
| EXPECTATIONS | Anticipated outcomes |
| EXPECTING | Pregnant, casually |
| EXPLAINS | Makes clear |
| EXPERIMENT | Controlled test |
| OXFORD | Laced dress shoe |
Z: 4,470 words, 742 with a clue
| Answer | Clue |
|---|---|
| BIZARRE | Very strange |
| CIVILIZATION | Advanced society |
| PRIZES | Awards |
| CRITICIZED | Faulted |
| HAZARD | Possible risk |
| ORGANIZE | Arrange neatly |
| ORGANIZING | Putting in order |
| REALIZING | Coming to understand |
| PUZZLE | Problem to solve |
| SQUEEZE | Press tightly |
| ZOMBIE | Undead creature |
| WIZARD | Magical expert |
| PLAZA | Open city square |
| AMAZED | Astonished |
| HORIZONTAL | Level |
| ANALYZED | Examined closely |
| BREEZE | Gentle outdoor wind |
| ANALYZE | Study closely |
| ORGANIZATIONAL | Company chart area |
| UTILIZED | Put to use |
J: 1,784 words, 532 with a clue
| Answer | Clue |
|---|---|
| JOINING | Connecting together |
| JIMMY | Force open carefully |
| INJURIES | Harms to the body |
| ENJOYING | Taking pleasure in |
| JUDGES | Court officials |
| JOURNALIST | Reporter |
| SUBJECTS | School courses |
| REJECTED | Turned away |
| JEAN | Denim cloth |
| JUICE | Orange breakfast drink |
| JOSH | Tease lightly |
| JOKES | Funny remarks |
| JACKET | Coat for cool weather |
| JAZZ | Music with swing |
| JOURNALISTS | Reporters |
| JUDGMENT | Decision or opinion |
| JUMPED | Leaped |
| JEALOUS | Envious |
| JUMPING | Leaping |
| BENJAMIN | C-note |