NYT Wordle today starts with ‘C’, has two vowels, and ends with ‘L’.
The word describes someone or something that intentionally causes pain or suffering.
NYT Wordle answer for January 28, 2026, is CRUEL, a word with no repeating letters.
The midweek slump is real, and the New York Times isn't making things any easier with today's selection. While yesterday's puzzle was all about the soft, evening vibes of DUSKY, NYT Wordle for Jan 28 is all about aggression and pain. This word can ruin a long-standing streak if you get overconfident with vowel-starters. If your grid is currently a sea of gray and you’re starting to feel the pressure, take a deep breath.
Let's break it down and get those tiles to turn green.
Here are the latest hints for you:
| Hint Type | Clue |
|---|---|
| First and Last Letter | C and L |
| Vowels | Two (U, E) |
| Repeating Letters | No |
| Word Type | Adjective |
| Definition | Wilfully causing pain or suffering to others; feeling no concern about it. |
| Context | It talks about a person's bad behavior or think of a ‘twist of fate.’ |
| Difficulty Level | Medium-Hard |
-If you are a fan of Shakespeare, this word famously appears in Hamlet in the phrase: ‘I must be ______ only to be kind.’
-The word is the opposite of being kind or merciful. It rhymes with ‘Fuel’ and ‘Gruel.’
-Think of a cold-hearted villain or an unusually harsh winter storm.
Here’s a clean, logical path to solving today’s puzzle:
First Guess (AUDIO): A common strategy to knock out as many vowels as possible right away. This gives you a yellow U, confirming it’s in the word but not in the second spot.
Second Guess (CRANE): A great follow-up to check common consonants. This is a massive win! You lock in the C and R at the start (Green) and pick up a yellow E.
Third Guess (CREEL): Testing the double-E and checking the final position. This confirms the L at the end (Green) and proves that there is only one E, likely in the fourth spot.
Final Logic: With the board looking like C R _ E L, you just need to slot in that U you found in the first guess. It fits perfectly to form the word for someone who lacks empathy.
The answer to Wordle #1684 is CRUEL.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for January 27, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Today’s Wordle lived up to its name. While CRUEL is a common term, the combination of rare letters like ‘UE’ together can make it tricky. It would especially be hard for players who stick to the most popular consonants like ‘S’ or ‘T’. NYT Wordle for Jan 28 serves as a good reminder to rotate in those ‘secondary’ vowels like U more often.
If you managed to solve it without breaking a sweat, congrats on keeping your streak alive! If it took you all six tries, don't feel bad; this one was designed to be a bit of a sting. Come back tomorrow for more tips and the daily reveal.
Happy puzzling!