What is The Missing Letter?
The Missing Letter is a daily crossword from Merriam-Webster with a neat twist built into it. The grid holds 25 answers, and each of those answers begins with a different letter of the alphabet. Since the alphabet has 26 letters, exactly one letter never starts an answer, and finding that missing letter is the final goal of the puzzle. That turns a normal crossword into a small detective game: as you solve the clues and the grid fills up, you keep track of the starting letters you have seen, and gradually work out which letter has been left out. It's a good choice for crossword fans who want something fresh, and for anyone who enjoys a puzzle with a clear finish line. It's free to play in the browser.
How to play
- Each of the 25 answers starts with a different letter of the alphabet.
- Work out the answers and fit them into the grid.
- Name the one letter of the alphabet that starts no answer.
Quick facts
- Typical time
- 10–15 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Price
- Free to play.
- Account
- Not needed. A free Merriam-Webster login is optional.
- Past puzzles
- Yes. Earlier puzzles are under “All Puzzles”.
- On a phone
- Works in your phone's browser.
- Weekly extra
- Each day's missing letter is also one piece of a weekly Mystery Word to unscramble.
- Made by
- Crossword writer Matt Gaffney, using definitions from Merriam-Webster's dictionary.
Tips to get better
- Keep an eye on the A to Z list. The game shows which starting letters you've used so far. The ones still unused tell you what the remaining answers must begin with.
- Use the rule as a clue. No two answers start with the same letter. If you're torn between two words and one starts with a letter that's already taken, it's the other one.
- Go looking for the rare letters. Somewhere in the grid there are answers starting with letters like J, Q, X and Z, and only one of them can be the missing one. A clue you can't crack may well be hiding one of those.
- Read the definitions like a dictionary. Many clues are real dictionary entries, so they're precise. If the definition describes a noun, the answer is a noun.
- Don't name the missing letter too early. Wait until the grid is nearly full. One wrong answer can make the wrong letter look like the missing one.
Who it's for
A good pick if you like ordinary crosswords but want a reason to finish beyond filling in the last square. The dictionary-style clues are fair and a little dry, so don't expect many jokes, and some of the vocabulary is tough. Play every day and you get a second puzzle on top: the weekly Mystery Word.
