What is Wordiply?
Wordiply is the Guardian's daily word game that gives you a short starting word and five guesses to find the longest word containing it. The starting word must appear exactly as written, in sequence, anywhere inside your answer. There is no single correct solution—scoring measures how close you come to the longest possible word and rewards total letters used across all guesses.
How to play Wordiply
- Read the starting word displayed on pink tiles at the top of the screen.
- Type a word that contains it in one unbroken piece. A length badge appears to the right of the input field.
- Submit your word. You have five attempts.
- Review your score after each guess. A Reveal button sits below the input field if you want to see the target word early.
Why the dual scoring system matters
Wordiply tracks two numbers: a length score that rises the closer you get to the longest word, and a letters score that adds up every letter you submit. This structure makes all five guesses valuable. Finding a strong word on the first try is useful, while shorter words in later rounds still contribute to the letters total. The format rewards searching for prefixes and suffixes across multiple attempts.
Reading the feedback
While typing, only the length counter updates in real time. After you submit, the game displays both scores and adds your word to a "Your guesses so far" list. The save file tracks which letters in each guess match the starting sequence.
Modes
Daily game: One starting word per day with five guesses.
Warm up: A practice mode offered next to Play on the rules screen.
Tips for stronger guesses
The starting word stays intact, so look for prefixes and suffixes to attach around it without rearranging its letters.
Use the length counter before submitting. It lets you compare two candidates without burning a guess.
Submit all five attempts. Because the letters score accumulates, an average word still adds value even if it does not approach the longest answer.
Common questions
How many tries?
Five, as stated on the rules page.
Can the starting word be split?
No. The rules require it to appear in one unbroken sequence inside your answer.
How is the score calculated?
Two cumulative measures: the length score rises as you approach the longest word, and the letters score totals all letters used across your guesses.