How to play Keiko’s Words

Published October 30, 2026 · Updated October 30, 2026

How does Keiko’s Words work?

Each day there are three secret words. You see one clue at a time, starting with the hardest. Type a one-word guess. If you’re wrong, the next, easier clue appears. Solve each word using as few clues as you can.

The rules

1. Three words a day. They are labeled Word 1, Word 2 and Word 3. Play them in any order.
2. Every answer is a single word. Answers can be any length, like “key” or “constellation”.
3. Five clues per word. Clues go from red (hardest) to blue (easiest).
4. A wrong guess reveals the next clue. You can also tap “Next clue” to reveal one without guessing.
5. Miss after the fifth clue and the word is revealed.

Scoring

Your score for each word is the number of clues you needed. Solving on clue 1 is the best possible result. When all three words are done you can share a spoiler-free result grid like this:

Keiko’s Words
2026-10-30

Word 1 🟩 2/5
Word 2 🟩 4/5
Word 3 🟧 missed

When do new words come out?

Every day at midnight Eastern Time. Today’s puzzle and the previous two days are free. Older days are in the archive.

Tips

• The first clue is often a feeling or an unusual angle (“Tension” for umbrella). Think about what the clue could describe, not just synonyms.
• Later clues get concrete. If you’re stuck, take the next clue rather than burning guesses on long shots.
• Small typos in long words are forgiven, so type quickly.
• Still stuck? Try today’s spoiler-free hints.