Wordle #1643 starts with the letter R and is about a sport.
The word contains one vowel and no repeating letters.
The Wordle answer for December 18, 2025, is RUGBY.
Today’s NYT Wordle puzzle leans into something sporty and classic. The solution is a well-known noun, but its single-vowel structure can throw off even experienced players. If today’s grid felt tougher than expected, you’re not alone. Below, you’ll find hints and a clue breakdown to understand how the puzzle fits together.
Use the following to reach the answer quickly:
| Hint Type | Clue |
|---|---|
| Starting Letter | R |
| Number of Vowels | One |
| Vowel | U |
| Repeating Letters | No, every letter is unique. |
| Word Type | Noun |
| Definition | A team sport played with an oval ball that originated at an English school. |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate (Single-vowel words can be tricky to narrow down). |
Fans of the sitcom Friends might recall this word as the sport that brought out Ross Geller’s aggressive alter ego, ‘Red Ross’.
It is often compared to American football, but played with much less padding and a whole lot of ‘scrums.’
Here is a strategic approach to tackling the Wordle grid efficiently:
Starter Word (ROUND): A strong opening choice that confirms the letter ‘R’ and the vowel ‘U’. When ‘U’ lights up, you know you are working with a tight vowel set.
Second Guess (RUSTY): It helps test word structure and confirms there are no repeated letters, while locking in correct placements of U and Y.
Third Guess (GRUBS): This guess reveals two new letters, a yellow G and a green B.
Final Logic: Once you know the word starts with R, uses only U as a vowel, and relates to sports, the answer becomes clear. Scroll carefully, the solution is next!
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for December 17, 2025: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
The answer to Wordle #1643 is ‘RUGBY.’
Wordle #1643 delivered a clean, straightforward solution with a sporty twist. While the word itself is familiar, the single-vowel format made it slightly deceptive. It was a satisfying puzzle that rewarded logical elimination rather than tricky spelling. Overall, today’s Wordle struck a nice balance between accessibility and challenge, a solid midweek solve. Check back tomorrow for fresh hints, a new walkthrough, and the next official Wordle answer.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Strands Hints and Answers for December 17, 2025