Wordle #1676 starts with S and ends with Y. It has one traditional vowel (U) and one ‘sometimes’ vowel (Y).
The word refers to the act of damaging a reputation or physically making something dirty.
The Wordle answer for January 20, 2026, is SULLY, which is a moderate challenge due to its double-consonant structure.
NYT Wordle today for January 20 may feel a bit ‘muddied’ if you aren't careful with your consonant placement. Following yesterday's tricky WAXEN (#1675), today’s puzzle keeps the difficulty steady with a repeating letter and a ‘Y’ ending. Don’t want your Wordle reputation ruined? Then use the hints and expert walkthrough below to quickly solve the puzzle.
Here are spoiler-free clues to narrow down the possibilities:
| Hint Type | Clue |
|---|---|
| First and Last Letter | S and Y |
| Vowels | Two- U and Y |
| Repeating Letters | Yes (Double L) |
| Word Type | Verb / Noun |
| Definition | To damage the purity or integrity of; to soil. |
| Context | Mostly used when talking about someone's ‘good name’ or reputation. |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
This word is a synonym for ‘besmirch,’ ‘stain,’ or ’defile.
It can describe both physical marks and damaged reputations.
If you think of the name ‘Sullivan’ from Monsters, Inc., you’re on the right track!
Here is how to navigate the double-letter trap of today's grid.
First Guess (STARE): A classic opener. Today, it provides a green S in the first position, but the T, A, R, and E are all gray. We have our starting point but need to find the vowels.
Second Guess (SOUND): Since 'A' and 'E' are gone, testing O and U is vital. This guess confirms the U is in the second position (Green) and the S is still solid. We now have S U _ _ _.
Third Guess (SULKY): With SU at the start, SULKY is a strong exploratory word. It confirms the L in the third spot and the Y at the end. It also reveals that there is no K.
Final Logic: You have S U L _ Y. While words like ‘SALTY’ might come to mind, the double L is a much more common NYT pattern. By placing the second L, you complete the puzzle. However, if you are still feeling confused, scroll down!
The answer to Wordle #1676 is SULLY.
Today’s word, SULLY, is a great example of how Wordle uses double letters to increase difficulty. While the word itself is common in literature and news (often regarding ‘sullied reputations’), the double L often requires an extra guess to confirm.
Compared to yesterday's WAXEN, today felt slightly more approachable because S and L are high-frequency letters. However, if you didn't check for the double letter early, you might have spent an extra turn hunting for a fifth unique letter. Come back tomorrow for more hints, answer and expert tips!
Also Read: Today’s NYT Strands Hints and Answers for January 19, 2026