Hey there, Wordle enthusiasts! If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely all set to take on today’s Wordle challenge. Whether you need a small push in the right direction or you just want the answer outright, we’re here to assist.

If you’re keen to fast-track to the end, scroll down for today’s Wordle answer. But if you’d like to figure it out on your own, stick around for some useful tips, tactics, and a few entertaining trivia bits.

Also worth exploring:

– Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and beyond: Enjoy free gaming on Mashable
– NYT Connections hints and answers for May 16

A Brief Wordle Background

Wordle was initially crafted by software developer Josh Wardle as a meaningful present for his partner. It quickly became a sensation across the globe, turning into a daily habit for countless players. The game’s rise in popularity led to a surge of fan-created variations, such as:

– Squabble: A battle royale-like version of Wordle
– Heardle: A music guessing challenge
– Dordle and Quordle: Variants that test your ability to tackle multiple puzzles simultaneously

Ultimately, the New York Times acquired Wordle, and it even became popular on TikTok, where creators livestreamed their gameplay sessions.

Selecting the Ideal Starting Word

While the choice of the best starting word in Wordle is entirely yours, employing a strategic method can enhance your chances. Aim for a word that contains at least two different vowels along with common consonants like S, T, R, or N. Seeking inspiration? We have a collection of excellent starting words to consider.

What Happened to the Wordle Archive?

There was once an open archive of previous Wordle puzzles, but it was removed following a request from the New York Times. However, subscribers to NYT Games can now access a legitimate Wordle archive through the Times’ own service.

Is Wordle Becoming More Challenging?

It may appear that Wordle is getting harder, but the level of difficulty hasn’t actually altered since its inception. If you’re yearning for a stiffer challenge, you can always activate Hard Mode in the game settings.

Also check out:

– NYT Mini Crossword answers for May 16, 2025

Hints for Today’s Wordle

Need a bit of assistance? Here are some clues to steer you:

– Subtle hint: Consider what follows the fourth.
– Duplicate letter? Yes — the letter F shows up twice.
– First letter: Today’s word begins with F.

Still puzzled? No worries — we’re about to unveil the answer.

Today’s Wordle Answer Is…

Time for your final guess!

Drumroll, please…

The solution to today’s Wordle is: FIFTH.

If you didn’t crack it this time, don’t fret — there’s always another day. We’ll return with additional clues and tips to aid you.

Also diving into NYT Strands? Check out today’s hints and answers here.

More to Discover:

– NYT Connections Sports Edition: Hints and answers for May 16
– A Wordle aficionado? Try these top word games in real life

Contributors to this piece include Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg.

Hunting for more puzzles? Mashable now features a complete games hub! Discover Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and more right here.

Missed yesterday’s Wordle? You can locate the May 15 solution here.