Clues, Hints, and the Answer for Thursday, August 21

Do you believe you’ve mastered Wordle? Think again. Today’s puzzle might just surprise even seasoned players. If you’re aiming to keep that perfect streak alive, we have got your back.

But first, for those who are new to this daily obsession, let’s bring you up to speed.

What Exactly Is Wordle?

Wordle is a brilliantly simple yet maddeningly addictive game that took the internet by storm back in 2021. Every day, players get one shot at cracking a five-letter word: six tries, one mystery word, and the same challenge for everyone across the globe.

The genius behind this game is Josh Wordle, who designed it as a love letter to word lovers. When he added that now-famous emoji-style results grid for sharing, it sparked a viral explosion. By the end of 2021, Wordle had become the gold standard for online word games.

Wordle made such an impact that The New York Times snapped it up in early 2022, and the numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, players around the world played Wordle a staggering 5.3 billion times.

How to Play Wordle

Enter any five-letter word to kick things off. Letters in the correct spot turn green. Letters that are in the word but in the wrong place turn yellow. And if a letter doesn’t belong at all, it’s grayed out. You’ve got six total tries, and remember, letters can repeat.

The game resets at midnight local time, and if you’ve linked a New York Times account, you can track your win streak and stats. Wordle is free to play on the NYT’s website and app, and it’s also available on Meta Quest headsets and Discord.

Need a hint for today’s Wordle?

Looking for a hint for today’s Wordle answer? Here you go:

Any double letters in today’s Wordle?

No.

What’s the first letter?

The answer starts with the letter “E”.

Ready for today’s Wordle answer?

This is your final warning: no turning back now!

Don’t blame us if you scroll too far and spoil the game.

Today’s Wordle answer is:

EXTOL