Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of the article:
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**Hello there! Are you ready for Wordle?**
If you’ve found your way here, it must be time to take on today’s **Wordle** challenge. As usual, we’re here to equip you with useful hints and strategies to help you reach the answer.
If you merely want to see today’s solution, scroll down to the end of this article for the grand reveal. However, if you wish to attempt solving it on your own, stay with us for some tips and clues to assist you along the way.
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### **What is Wordle, and how did it originate?**
Wordle was initially developed by engineer Josh Wardle as a present for his partner, but it swiftly transformed into a worldwide phenomenon. Countless players across the globe now relish this daily word challenge. Enthusiasts have even crafted their own variations, such as the battle royale-inspired **Squabble**, the music-focused **Heardle**, and multi-word puzzles like **Dordle** and **Quordle**, which entail guessing several words at once.
The game’s acclaim skyrocketed to such an extent that it was ultimately purchased by *The New York Times*. Wordle has even motivated TikTok creators to broadcast their gameplay, further solidifying its influence on popular culture.
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### **What’s the ideal Wordle starting word?**
The optimal starting word is ultimately a matter of your individual taste, but if you’re aiming to play strategically, we have some recommendations. A strong starting word usually consists of at least two vowels alongside a mix of frequent consonants such as S, T, R, or N. Looking for more suggestions? Check out our guide on the best Wordle starting words.
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### **What happened to the Wordle archive?**
Previously, players were able to access an archive containing all past Wordle puzzles. However, this archive was removed at the request of *The New York Times*. The Times has since established its own Wordle Archive, but access is restricted to subscribers of NYT Games.
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### **Is Wordle becoming harder?**
While it may seem like Wordle is increasing in difficulty, the level of challenge has not actually shifted since the game began. However, if you seek an added challenge, you can activate Wordle’s **Hard Mode**, which introduces an additional layer of complexity to your guesses.
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### **Hints for today’s Wordle**
Need some assistance with today’s puzzle? Here are a few clues to kickstart your efforts:
– **Hint #1:** The word signifies to stick, connect, or secure one thing to another.
– **Hint #2:** It includes one letter that appears more than once.
– **Hint #3:** The word begins with the letter **A**.
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### **Drumroll, please… Today’s Wordle answer is:**
**AFFIX**
If you didn’t manage to guess it this time, no need to fret—there’s always tomorrow’s puzzle to anticipate! We’ll return with additional hints and strategies to assist you.
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### **Interested in more games?**
If you enjoy Wordle, why not check out other puzzles? Visit Mashable’s **Games Hub**, where you’ll discover Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and much more.
And if you missed out on yesterday’s Wordle, you can find the answer [here](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-25-2024).
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*Article contributions by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg.*