NYT Spelling Bee January 16, 2026

NYT Spelling Bee Answers Today: January 16, 2026 Hints & Solution

NYT Spelling Bee January 16, 2026

Are you feeling stuck on the NYT Spelling Bee for January 16, 2026? Today’s hive is particularly challenging, leaving many players just a few points shy of the coveted ‘Genius’ rank. At Word Finder Tips, we solve the hive at the break of dawn to provide you with the most accurate, verified guidance possible.

🛡️ Editorial Expertise & Verification

Every hint and solution for the January 16, 2026 hive is peer-verified by our editorial team. We manually solve the puzzle to ensure that the central letter C is used correctly in every answer provided below. Our mission is to protect your daily streak with 100% manual verification.

Today’s Spelling Bee Stats & Overview

Before diving into the full word list, let’s look at the mathematical breakdown of the January 16, 2026 puzzle. Understanding the point distribution is key to reaching the higher ranks efficiently.

Words45
Max Points178
Pangrams1

Hive Analysis for January 16, 2026

Today’s central letter is C. This means every word you find must include this letter. The surrounding letters are: A, E, F, I, L, M. Combining these vowels and consonants reveals a sophisticated mix of common and rare vocabulary that will test even the most seasoned linguists.

C
A
E
F
I
L
M

The Pangram Strategy

A Pangram is the holy grail of the Spelling Bee—a word that uses every single letter in the hive at least once. For the January 16, 2026 puzzle, finding the pangram(s) will boost your score by a massive 7 points. If you’re struggling to spot it among the C and its neighbors, click the button below to reveal today’s secret.

Full Verified Word List (January 16, 2026)

Below is the complete list of verified answers for today’s NYT Spelling Bee. We have highlighted the pangram in gold to help you identify the most valuable word in the grid.

MALEFIC
ACACIA
ACAI
ACCLAIM
ACME
CAFE
CALF
CALL
CALLA
CALM
CAME
CAMEL
CAMELLIA
CAMI
CELIAC
CELL
CELLI
CILIA
CLAIM
CLAM
CLEF
CLIFF
CLIME
EFFACE
EMCEE
FACE
FACIAL
FACILE
FECAL
FLEECE
ICEFALL
ICICLE
ILIAC
LACE
LAIC
LAICAL
LICE
LILAC
MACE
MALIC
MALICE
MECCA
MICA
MICE
MIMIC

Tips for Mastering NYT Spelling Bee

  • Look for Suffixes: Always check for -ING, -ED, -TION, or -NESS if the letters allow.
  • Start with 4-Letter Words: These are the easiest to find and help build your mental momentum.
  • Think in Patterns: Look for common letter pairings like ST, TH, or QU.
  • Take a Break: Looking at the hive with fresh eyes after an hour often reveals words you missed before.

History of the Game

The NYT Spelling Bee has become a digital phenomenon since its 2018 launch. Edited by Sam Ezersky, it challenges players to think creatively while adhering to a strict dictionary. It has grown from a niche puzzle into a global daily ritual for millions of word game enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points is a pangram worth?

In the NYT Spelling Bee, a pangram is worth its length in points plus a 7-point bonus.

When does the Bee reset?

The puzzle refreshes daily at 3:00 AM ET.

🧩 Daily Puzzle Navigator (January 16, 2026)

Looking for more? Visit our dedicated archives or check today’s other solutions:

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