Wordle, the popular daily word puzzle, has begun reusing answers, starting with a notable repeat: CIGAR. This marks the first time a previous solution has reappeared since the game’s launch in 2021, and the timing is particularly symbolic – it occurred on Groundhog Day, a holiday known for repetition.
Why the Change?
The New York Times, which acquired Wordle in 2022, announced this shift in its NYT Gameplay newsletter on January 28. The decision stems from the game’s finite word list. Wordle editor Tracy Bennett previously acknowledged on TikTok that the puzzle would eventually need to expand beyond its original 2,000-word library. Recycling answers is a practical solution, though other options – such as including plural or past-tense forms – were considered. Expanding to six-letter words remains unlikely for now.
The Significance of ‘CIGAR’
The choice to reuse ‘CIGAR’ is deliberate. It was the very first word Josh Wardle used when testing the game with family and friends in June 2021, and again when The New York Times took over hosting duties in February 2022. This selection is a nod to the game’s history and a playful connection to Groundhog Day, famously depicted in the 1993 film where a character is trapped in a repeating time loop.
Future of Wordle Answers
While today’s answer was a deliberate callback, the game won’t exclusively rely on recycled solutions. Bennett has stated an intention to continue introducing new words, ensuring a mix of familiar and fresh challenges. The editor also clarified that future answers won’t necessarily align with holidays or special events, prioritizing words that haven’t been used recently.
“I plan to continue to feature first-time words in 2026, as there are still many beautiful new words to run,” Bennett wrote.
The reuse of ‘CIGAR’ represents more than just a puzzle solution; it is a turning point for Wordle, signaling a new era of gameplay that balances nostalgia with continued innovation.
