Spelling Bee Answer today with Clue and Meaning (November 8, 2026)
PACEJKL
37
Answers
1
Pangrams
117
Max Score
--
Perfect Pan.
Show today's official spelling bee answers
Pangrams (1)
4-Letter Words (22)
5-Letter Words (7)
6-Letter Words (6)
8-Letter Words (1)
Show spelling bee answers with means
A strong, traditional American spirit made by freezing fermented apple cider and removing the ice to concentrate the alcohol—a method called freeze distillation. It’s rustic, fruity, and often has a sharp, almost cider-like bite, with roots in colonial-era homesteads. Today, it’s mostly found in craft distilleries or as a nostalgic nod to early American drinking culture.
Example and usage
You’ll hear it mentioned in historical novels or at farm-to-table bars: 'He poured a shot of applejack into his coffee, the warmth cutting through the October chill.' It’s not your average whiskey—expect more orchard sweetness and less oak.
Synonyms: apple brandy, cider brandy, hard cider spirit
The person or party being appealed against in a legal case. It’s the respondent in an appellate court, not the one pushing for a reversal. You’ll hear this term mostly in legal circles, often paired with 'appellant'—the one filing the appeal.
Example and usage
This word is strictly formal and appears almost exclusively in legal documents or court transcripts. You wouldn’t use it in casual conversation. For example: 'The appellee argued that the lower court had misinterpreted the contract terms.'
Synonyms: respondent
Antonyms: appellant
A domesticated South American camelid known for its soft, luxurious wool and gentle, curious demeanor. Unlike llamas, alpacas are bred primarily for fiber, not burden-bearing, and they communicate with soft hums rather than loud brays. They’re the quiet, elegant cousins of the camel family.
Example and usage
Often confused with llamas, but alpacas are smaller, fluffier, and less likely to spit (unless really annoyed). The wool is prized for being warmer and hypoallergenic. Example: 'She spun the alpaca wool into a sweater so soft it felt like holding a cloud.'
Synonyms: camelid
To appall means to shock or horrify someone deeply, usually because something is morally wrong or disgustingly cruel. It’s stronger than just upsetting—it implies a visceral reaction to something that feels fundamentally wrong.
Example and usage
Used in contexts where moral boundaries are crossed—like when news of child labor in a factory appalls the public. It carries emotional weight; you wouldn’t say 'I was appalled by the weather.'
Synonyms: horrify, outrage, revolt, shock
Antonyms: comfort, please, reassure
The quality of being attractive or interesting, often in a way that draws people in emotionally or aesthetically. It’s not just about beauty — it’s the intangible pull of a song, a person, or an idea that makes you want to pay attention. A movie can have appeal even if it’s flawed.
Example and usage
Often used in critiques of art, fashion, or marketing. 'The film’s appeal lies in its raw honesty' — not just what it is, but how it makes you feel. Don’t confuse it with legal appeal; context makes the meaning clear.
Synonyms: allure, attraction, charm, draw, magic
Antonyms: banality, dullness, repulsion
A vibrant Spanish rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan, typically with saffron, chicken, rabbit, seafood, or vegetables. It’s not just rice—it’s about the socarrat, that crispy, caramelized layer at the bottom that everyone fights over. Regional variations matter: coastal versions lean into seafood, inland ones into meat.
Example and usage
Often mispronounced as 'pah-EL-ya'—it’s 'pa-AY-ya.' It’s a communal dish, meant to be eaten straight from the pan. We ordered the seafood paella at that tapas bar, and the socarrat alone was worth the wait.
A grand, often opulent residence, typically built for royalty or heads of state. It’s not just a big house—it’s a symbol of power, history, and sometimes excess, with sprawling halls, ornate details, and grounds that feel more like a small town than a backyard.
Example and usage
Used more for historical or official contexts than everyday homes. You wouldn’t call your suburban house a palace, unless you’re being ironic. 'The king held court in the palace, where chandeliers dripped from ceilings taller than most apartment buildings.'
Synonyms: castle, manor, mansion, residence, royal residence
Antonyms: cottage, hovel, shack, tent
A thatched roof structure, often open on the sides, commonly found in tropical regions like Mexico or the Philippines. It’s the kind of shaded spot you’d find by a beach or in a backyard, perfect for catching a breeze and escaping the sun. The word carries a distinctly laid-back, tropical vibe.
Example and usage
It’s often used in travel writing or descriptions of resort architecture. You wouldn’t call a concrete gazebo a palapa — the thatched roof is key. Example: 'We spent the afternoon sipping margaritas under a palm-thatched palapa, listening to the waves roll in.'
Synonyms: open pavilion, thatched hut, tropical shelter
It means at a fast or steady pace, often used to describe something progressing smoothly or rapidly. You won’t hear it in casual chat, but it pops up in literary or formal writing to add rhythm—like when describing a story unfolding or a project moving forward without pause. It’s not just 'quick,' it’s 'on schedule and unrelenting.'
Example and usage
It’s often paired with verbs of motion or progress, like 'the seasons turned apace' or 'the city grew apace with demand.' Avoid using it in casual settings—it sounds deliberately old-fashioned or poetic. Don’t confuse it with 'a pace,' which is a noun phrase.
Synonyms: briskly, on schedule, rapidly, steadily, swiftly
Antonyms: haltingly, lagging, slowly
A round, typically red or green fruit with crisp flesh and a sweet or tart flavor, widely eaten raw or used in pies, sauces, and ciders. Beyond the fruit, it’s also a global tech brand — but in everyday use, it’s still the orchard staple that keeps the doctor away, whether you’re biting into one or tossing it into a pie.
Example and usage
The word is so common it’s rarely questioned — but context matters. 'I bought a new apple' could mean fruit or phone, though the fruit is the default. Example: 'She packed a crisp red apple in his lunch, just like his mom used to.'
A mischievous water spirit from Japanese folklore, often depicted as a turtle-like creature with a dish on its head filled with water. It’s said to be both playful and dangerous, luring people into rivers before pulling them under. The word has also gained modern internet fame as a Twitch emote, symbolizing ironic humor or sarcasm.
Example and usage
Used mostly in cultural or internet contexts; outside of those, it’s rarely encountered in everyday speech. 'He sent a kappa emote in chat—everyone knew he was teasing.' Don’t confuse it with 'kappa' the Greek letter, which is unrelated.
Synonyms: folkloric entity, mythical being, water spirit
The folded flap of fabric on a jacket or coat, usually running from the collar down to the waist. It’s not just decoration—how wide or shaped it is can say a lot about the suit’s era or the wearer’s style. Think of it as the quiet statement piece of a well-tailored outfit.
Example and usage
Often paired with phrases like 'pin a flower to the lapel' or 'adjust the lapel.' It’s commonly confused with 'collar,' but the lapel is the folded part that turns back from the collar. He tucked the envelope into his lapel pocket—simple, but it screamed old-school elegance.
Synonyms: collar flap, notch, peak
Papal refers to anything connected to the pope or the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, especially in official or ceremonial contexts. It’s not just religious—it implies a specific kind of solemn, hierarchical power.
Example and usage
You’d say 'papal decree' or 'papal audience,' never 'papal coffee.' It’s a word that carries weight—using it signals you’re talking about official Church authority, not general Catholicism. People sometimes confuse it with 'papal' meaning 'pope-like' in a metaphorical sense, but it’s strictly tied to the office.
Synonyms: ecclesiastical, pontifical, Vatican
Antonyms: lay, secular
Peace is the absence of conflict, violence, or disturbance—whether in the world, a relationship, or your own mind. It’s not just quiet; it’s a deep sense of calm, safety, and harmony, often hard-won after turmoil. People seek peace in politics, at home, or within themselves.
Example and usage
You’ll hear 'peace' in phrases like 'peace of mind' or 'peace treaty,' but it’s also quietly powerful in simple statements: 'After years of arguing, they finally found peace.' Avoid using it to mean mere silence—peace implies emotional or moral resolution, not just quiet.
Synonyms: calm, harmony, serenity, stillness, tranquility
Antonyms: chaos, discord, turmoil, violence, war
A specific location or position, whether physical or abstract. It can mean where you are right now, a role you hold, or even a feeling of belonging—like finding your place in the world. It’s one of those words that feels simple but carries surprising weight.
Example and usage
Used in countless contexts—from 'I lost my place in the book' to 'She found her place in the band.' It’s neutral in tone but can carry emotional weight: 'After years of moving, he finally felt like he had a real place to call home.'
Synonyms: location, position, setting, site, spot
Antonyms: emptiness, nowhere, void
A cape is a sleeveless garment that hangs from the shoulders, often worn for warmth, drama, or symbolism—think superheroes, pirates, or medieval nobility. It can also refer to a pointed piece of land jutting into water, like Cape Cod, where the geography itself feels like a dramatic flourish.
Example and usage
In fashion, 'cape' implies elegance or flair—'She swept into the room in a velvet cape.' In geography, it’s neutral: 'The lighthouse sits on the eastern cape.' Don’t use it to mean just any outerwear; a coat or jacket isn’t a cape unless it flows freely from the shoulders.
Synonyms: cloak, mantle, projection, promontory, shawl
Antonyms: bare, uncovered
To strike the palms of the hands together, usually to express approval, rhythm, or sudden realization. It’s a universal gesture—spontaneous at concerts, deliberate in theater, and sometimes sarcastic in meetings. The sound is sharp, brief, and unmistakable.
Example and usage
Can be used literally or figuratively—'clap back' means to respond sharply, while 'clap hands' is the physical act. Avoid using it for non-hand sounds like drumming. Example: 'The crowd clapped in unison as the final note hung in the air.'
Synonyms: applaud, beat, smack, snap, strike
Antonyms: boo, jeer, silence
A lightweight, thrusting sword used in modern fencing, with a triangular blade and a bell-shaped guard. Unlike the foil or sabre, the epee targets the entire body and has no right-of-way rules—making it the most straightforward, if slowest, of the three fencing weapons. It feels like dueling with precision, not speed.
Example and usage
You’ll hear it in fencing circles: 'She switched to epee after realizing she preferred strategy over speed.' Don’t confuse it with foil—epee hits are heavier, and the whole body is fair game. It’s the weapon of patience, not flash. Example: 'He won the match with a single, perfect lunge—epee at its most elegant.'
Synonyms: dueling weapon, fencing sword, thrusting blade
A playful or mischievous trick, often meant to amuse rather than harm. It’s the kind of harmless prank your cousin pulls on Thanksgiving—switching the sugar for salt, or hiding your keys behind the fridge. The word feels old-fashioned but still lives in literature and witty conversation, carrying a light, almost literary tone.
Example and usage
You’ll hear it in period dramas or clever essays: 'His last jape involved replacing the office coffee with decaf—everyone noticed by noon.' It’s not a cruel hoax; it’s the kind of mischief that earns a sigh and a smile.
Synonyms: jest, joke, prank, trick
Antonyms: seriousness, solemnity
A rugged, four-wheel-drive vehicle originally developed for military use, now popular for off-road adventures and casual driving. It’s built to handle rough terrain with high ground clearance and durable construction, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts who need reliability over smooth roads.
Example and usage
Often used informally to refer to any rugged SUV, though technically a brand name. People say, 'We took the jeep up the mountain trail'—not because it’s the only option, but because the name has become synonymous with the type. Don’t confuse it with generic SUVs; jeeps have a distinct, boxy design and heritage.
Synonyms: 4x4, all-terrain vehicle, off-roader
To retain possession of something, whether physical, emotional, or abstract—holding onto an object, a memory, a habit, or even a secret. It implies intentionality, sometimes resistance to letting go, and often carries emotional weight.
Example and usage
Used in countless contexts—from 'keep your phone charged' to 'keep your promises.' It can sound warm ('keep this letter') or stubborn ('I won’t keep quiet'). Example: 'She kept the sweater he gave her, even though it was two sizes too big—and she never wore it.'
Synonyms: hold, maintain, preserve, retain, store
Antonyms: abandon, discard, give, lose, release
A type of large, brown seaweed that grows in dense underwater forests along rocky coastlines. It’s not just ocean vegetation—it’s a vital ecosystem builder, sheltering fish and absorbing carbon. People eat it, use it in fertilizer, and even turn it into biofuel, though most know it only as the slimy stuff that washes up on beaches.
Example and usage
Commonly found in sushi or as a seasoning, but rarely discussed outside coastal communities. 'The tide left behind a thick mat of kelp, smelling faintly of the sea and salt.' Don’t confuse it with regular algae—kelp is always large, complex, and saltwater-dwelling.
Synonyms: macroalgae, marine plant, sea vegetable, seaweed
A sudden, forceful jump, either physically or metaphorically. It implies momentum and risk—like leaping into a new career or taking a bold step without a safety net. It’s not just a step; it’s a leap because you’re leaving something familiar behind.
Example and usage
Used both literally and figuratively. 'She took a leap of faith' is common, but don’t confuse it with 'jump'—a leap feels more intentional, even reckless. He made the leap from corporate job to pottery studio at 42, and somehow, it worked.
Synonyms: bound, dive, jump, plunge, spring
Antonyms: crawl, hesitate, step
Pace refers to the speed or rate at which something happens—whether it’s walking, working, or a project moving forward. It’s often used metaphorically to describe how fast life or change is unfolding, and adjusting your pace can mean slowing down to avoid burnout or speeding up to meet a deadline.
Example and usage
You might say, 'The team set a grueling pace for the quarter,' or 'I need to find my own pace in this new job.' It’s more about rhythm than raw velocity—unlike 'speed,' which is purely quantitative. Don’t confuse it with 'pace' as a verb, which means to walk back and forth nervously.
Synonyms: rate, rhythm, speed, stride, tempo
Antonyms: halt, stagnation, standstill
To fill or crowd something tightly, whether it’s luggage, a crowd, or a schedule. It implies efficiency and sometimes overload—like packing a suitcase for a trip or packing a theater with fans. The word carries a sense of deliberate compression.
Example and usage
Works in both physical and abstract contexts. 'We packed the car with gear' and 'The concert was packed' are equally natural. Avoid using it for loose arrangements—'pack' implies tightness. Example: 'She packed her day with back-to-back meetings until 8 p.m.'
Synonyms: crowd, jam, load, squeeze, stuff
Antonyms: clear, decongest, empty, thin out, unpack
Lacking color or intensity, especially in skin tone, but also used for any hue that’s washed out or faint. It’s not just light—it’s the absence of vitality. A pale face suggests illness or fear; a pale blue suggests something muted, almost tired.
Example and usage
Often describes someone unwell—'She looked pale after the news'—but also used for colors: 'pale green walls' implies subtlety, not boldness. Don’t confuse it with 'pail'—a common typo. His lips were pale, his hands trembling slightly.
Synonyms: faint, light, pallid, wan, washed-out
Antonyms: dark, deep, flushed, rich, vivid
A pall is a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere that hangs over a place or situation, often after something tragic or dreary has occurred. It’s not just sadness—it’s a heavy, suffocating feeling that seems to dim everything around it.
Example and usage
You’ll often hear it paired with 'cast' or 'fall'—like 'a pall fell over the town after the fire.' It’s poetic but not overly formal; used in literature and journalism to describe emotional weight without saying 'everyone was sad.'
Synonyms: darkness, dreariness, gloom, somberness
Antonyms: brightness, cheer, vitality
A short, informal term for a palpitation—the sudden, noticeable thumping or fluttering of the heart, often felt when you're anxious or after caffeine. It’s not just a heartbeat; it’s when your chest feels like it’s skipping or drumming out of rhythm, usually harmless but unsettling.
Example and usage
Used mostly in casual conversation or medical shorthand; you wouldn’t say 'palp' in a formal report. 'I got this weird palp after my third espresso' sounds natural, but 'The patient experienced a palp' doesn't. It’s often paired with 'heart'—'heart palp'—in spoken English.
Synonyms: beat, flutter, palpitation, throb
A casual, affectionate term for father, often used by children or in warm, familial contexts. It carries a softer, more personal tone than 'father' and is common in many cultures, especially in Spanish-speaking households. It’s not just a synonym for dad—it implies closeness, sometimes even nostalgia.
Example and usage
You’ll hear 'papa' in homes more than in formal writing—think of a child saying, 'Papa, can we go to the park?' It’s often used with a hint of endearment or cultural identity, especially in Latin American or Caribbean families.
Synonyms: dad, daddy, father, pappy
The highest point of something, whether physical like a mountain summit or metaphorical like the height of success or popularity. It implies a limit beyond which decline follows, making it a natural turning point in narratives of growth or decay.
Example and usage
Often used in phrases like 'at the peak of his career' or 'peak season.' Avoid using it as a verb in formal writing—'peak' as a verb (e.g., 'sales peaked') is common in business jargon but can sound clunky. 'The mountain’s peak was hidden by clouds.'
Synonyms: apex, crest, pinnacle, summit, zenith
Antonyms: bottom, nadir, valley
A loud, ringing sound, especially from bells ringing in succession. It’s the kind of sound that fills a town square during a wedding or celebration—deep, resonant, and impossible to ignore. Often evokes joy or urgency, like church bells pealing at dawn or fire alarms pealing in panic.
Example and usage
Used almost exclusively for resonant, sustained sounds—never for soft or mechanical noises. You wouldn’t say a car horn gives a peal, but church bells do. Example: 'The peal of the cathedral bells echoed across the valley, summoning the congregation.'
Synonyms: chime, clang, clanging, ring, sound
Antonyms: hush, quiet, silence
A quick, light bite or kiss, often delivered with little force. It can describe a bird’s rapid tap at food or a brief, affectionate kiss on the cheek—both carry a sense of brevity and tenderness. The word feels gentle, even when used metaphorically.
Example and usage
Common in phrases like 'peck on the cheek' or 'birds pecking at seeds.' Avoid using it for aggressive biting—it’s too soft for that. Example: 'He gave her a peck on the forehead before leaving for work.' It’s sweet, not passionate.
Synonyms: bump, kiss, nibble, nip, tap
Antonyms: bite, chew, gnaw, gobble, suck
To take a quick, often furtive look at something, usually when you're not supposed to. It carries a hint of curiosity or sneakiness—like peeking through blinds or at a surprise gift before the party. It’s not a full glance, just a fleeting glimpse.
Example and usage
Often used in casual or playful contexts, especially with 'at' or 'through.' For example: 'She peeked at the birthday present hidden under the couch.' Avoid using it for deliberate, prolonged observation—it’s meant for brief, sometimes secretive looks.
Synonyms: glance, glimpse, peep, peer, sneak a look
Antonyms: avoid, ignore, inspect, overlook, stare
To remove the outer layer of something, like fruit or vegetables, often with a knife or peeler. It can also mean to move quickly away, especially in slang usage, as if slipping off a surface. The act implies a clean, deliberate removal—not just scraping, but taking off a distinct covering.
Example and usage
Used literally for food prep—'Peel the potatoes before boiling'—but also colloquially for leaving: 'He peeled out of the parking lot when the cops showed up.' Avoid using it for abstract things like 'peel away emotions'; it’s too physical for that.
Synonyms: pare, remove, shuck, skin, strip
Antonyms: coat, cover, encase
A quick, often furtive look—like when you sneak a glance at someone through a crack or around a corner. It can also mean a soft, high-pitched sound, especially from a baby bird. The word carries a sense of curiosity or secrecy, never a full, deliberate stare.
Example and usage
Used casually in everyday speech, often with a hint of mischief. For example: 'I just peeped through the blinds to see if she was home.' Avoid using it in formal contexts—it’s too informal and slightly playful.
Synonyms: glance, glimpse, look, peek, sneak peek
Antonyms: gaze, linger, observe, stare
A short, affectionate term for the Pekingese, a small dog breed with a flat face, long coat, and regal demeanor. Known for its stubborn charm and lion-like mane, the peke is less a working dog and more a lap-sized companion with serious attitude.
Example and usage
Used mostly in informal settings among dog lovers. 'My peke hates the vacuum but loves napping on the radiator' sounds more natural than 'My Pekingese dislikes household appliances.' It’s a term of endearment, not a formal breed designation.
Synonyms: companion dog, lap dog, Pekingese
An earnest or emotional request, often made in desperation or humility. It’s more than a simple ask—it carries weight, vulnerability, or urgency, like begging for mercy or appealing for help. The word implies the speaker is in a position of lesser power.
Example and usage
Often used in legal, moral, or emotional contexts. Avoid using it for casual requests—saying 'I made a plea for coffee' sounds off. Example: 'Her plea for leniency was met with silence, the courtroom holding its breath.'
Synonyms: appeal, begging, entreaty, petition, pleading
Antonyms: command, demand, order, refusal
Puzzle Statistics
Number of Pangrams
1
Maximum Puzzle Score
117
Number of Answers
37
Points Needed for Genius
82
Genius requires between 13 and 34 words. You need at least a 6-letter word to reach genius. If you do not get the pangrams, you need 81% of the total points to reach genius. If you do get the pangrams, you only need 65% of the remaining points.
Length of Words in This Puzzle
Points Available by Length
Show Counts by First Letter
Other Days With This Pangram
Matching pangrams: applejack
Matching pangrams: applejack
Matching pangrams: applejack
Matching pangrams: applejack
How Does This Puzzle Compare?
Score Percentile
Today's score of 117 was in the 21st percentile of all puzzles.
The last time there was a score this high was on November 7, 2026.
The highest score ever was 537 on January 22, 2021.
The lowest score ever was 47 on March 27, 2023.
Max score in all puzzles
Word Count Percentile
This puzzle's 37 possible answers rank it in the 43rd percentile of all puzzles.
The last time there were more answers than this was on November 7, 2026.
The highest number of answers was 81 on June 8, 2019.
The lowest number of answers was 16 on March 27, 2023.
Number of answers in all puzzles
Length for Genius
It takes a 6-letter word for genius.
The last time this happened was on November 7, 2026.
Length for Genius in all puzzles
Average Word Length
Today's puzzle has an average word length of 4.8.
For all Bees, the average word length has been 5.3.
Average word length in all puzzles
Haven't I Seen These Letters Before?
Historical letter frequency across all 3,105 puzzles. Letters in today's puzzle are highlighted.
As Center Letter
As Valid Letter
Center letter P has appeared in the center 144 times across the full archive.
Other Days With Center Letter P
Haven't I Seen These Words Before?
The most common words in the Bee are:
How Long Are Words in the Bee?
There have been 127,694 accepted answers in the Bee, with 11,212 unique words.
Length of All Answers
Length of Unique Answers
Valid Dictionary Words Not in Today's Official Answers
You may be wondering why these words are not here. These are dictionary-valid words that fit today's letters but are not in the official NYT answer list.
Because the New York Times considers some of them obscure or otherwise out of scope.
Today's Spelling Bee Puzzle Breakdown
The New York Times Spelling Bee for November 8, 2026 uses P as the mandatory center letter with outer letters A, C, E, J, K, L. Today's puzzle contains 37 answers, 1 pangram, and a maximum score of 117.
Historically, this puzzle ranks in the 43rd percentile for answer count and the 21st percentile for score. The average answer length today is 4.8, compared with a long-run average of 5.3.
SpellingBee Solver now computes these comparison sections from the full archive instead of rough front-end approximations, so the percentile text, "last time" references, and history charts stay aligned with the historical data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NYT Spelling Bee answers for November 8, 2026?
The puzzle for November 8, 2026 has 37 answers, 1 pangram, and a maximum score of 117. The center letter is P, and the full set of letters is P, A, C, E, J, K, L.
What score do I need for Genius today?
You need 82 points to reach Genius. Historically, this puzzle requires between 13 and 34 answers, and you need at least one 6-letter word to get there.
How does today's puzzle compare to others?
Today's puzzle ranks in the 43rd percentile for answer count and the 21st percentile for max score. It has 1 pangram, and This one sits close to the middle of the historical pack.