Superhero words!
$begingroup$
Quietly walking among us are words which are actually superheroes in disguise! Just as Diana Prince spins around to become Wonder Woman, some seemingly ordinary words can spin around to reveal their super identities!
For example, STRESSED turns into DESSERTS just when you need it, and REVILED can turn around to DELIVER.
Meanwhile...
Poor little THINK is sitting all alone, thinking about how he could become the KNIGHT, if only he had a spare "G" ...
Just a mere mortal word without powers of transformation? Well, never fear! There is no shame in using an accessory (or ten) to enable your superpowers! (Respect, Batman, Green Lantern, and Iron Man!)
So now STINGIER can become the fiery REIGNITES(1), EMERGED can become the brilliant doctor DEGREE(2), and SALAMI can become fleet-footed IMPALAS(3)!
(1) with addition of an "E", sold separately
(2) after subtraction of a "G", not responsible for lost or missing pieces
(3) with addition of a "P", not included
But wait, there's more! With a well-stocked utility belt, some words can take on multiple transformations!
For example, DUAL becomes DUEL through the following transformation sequence:
DUAL
. .
. .
. ---U-->
. .
. .
LAD
. .
. .
. <--E---
. .
. .
DEAL
. .
. .
. ---A-->
. .
. .
LED
. .
. .
. <--U---
. .
. .
DUEL
Now let's see if you can help other superhero words find their own transformation sequence!
At each step, you may add or subtract a letter as you choose. You don't need to alternate additions and subtractions.
As always, I construct my puzzles in such a way that they can be solved using only well-known words, so if you find yourself conjuring up increasingly obscure words, you may be overthinking it.
The first three are just to get you warmed up, while 4-8 are serious:
1. start: SCAM
end: MAGES
(suggested 2 intermediate words)
2. start: TROOPER
end: TROOPED
(suggested 3 intermediate words)
3. start: XENON
end: WOK
(suggested 5 intermediate words)
4. start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
5. start: SEAPORT
end: SPIRITS
(suggested 17 intermediate words)
6. start: KNIGHT
end: TIME
(suggested 23 intermediate words)
7. start: GURU
end: SERIES
(suggested 27 intermediate words)
8. start: BLOG
end: ABOUT
(suggested 36 intermediate words)
Super helpful hints or diabolical distractions?
guar vs. gaur
taro vs. tarot
word wordplay no-computers graph-theory
$endgroup$
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Quietly walking among us are words which are actually superheroes in disguise! Just as Diana Prince spins around to become Wonder Woman, some seemingly ordinary words can spin around to reveal their super identities!
For example, STRESSED turns into DESSERTS just when you need it, and REVILED can turn around to DELIVER.
Meanwhile...
Poor little THINK is sitting all alone, thinking about how he could become the KNIGHT, if only he had a spare "G" ...
Just a mere mortal word without powers of transformation? Well, never fear! There is no shame in using an accessory (or ten) to enable your superpowers! (Respect, Batman, Green Lantern, and Iron Man!)
So now STINGIER can become the fiery REIGNITES(1), EMERGED can become the brilliant doctor DEGREE(2), and SALAMI can become fleet-footed IMPALAS(3)!
(1) with addition of an "E", sold separately
(2) after subtraction of a "G", not responsible for lost or missing pieces
(3) with addition of a "P", not included
But wait, there's more! With a well-stocked utility belt, some words can take on multiple transformations!
For example, DUAL becomes DUEL through the following transformation sequence:
DUAL
. .
. .
. ---U-->
. .
. .
LAD
. .
. .
. <--E---
. .
. .
DEAL
. .
. .
. ---A-->
. .
. .
LED
. .
. .
. <--U---
. .
. .
DUEL
Now let's see if you can help other superhero words find their own transformation sequence!
At each step, you may add or subtract a letter as you choose. You don't need to alternate additions and subtractions.
As always, I construct my puzzles in such a way that they can be solved using only well-known words, so if you find yourself conjuring up increasingly obscure words, you may be overthinking it.
The first three are just to get you warmed up, while 4-8 are serious:
1. start: SCAM
end: MAGES
(suggested 2 intermediate words)
2. start: TROOPER
end: TROOPED
(suggested 3 intermediate words)
3. start: XENON
end: WOK
(suggested 5 intermediate words)
4. start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
5. start: SEAPORT
end: SPIRITS
(suggested 17 intermediate words)
6. start: KNIGHT
end: TIME
(suggested 23 intermediate words)
7. start: GURU
end: SERIES
(suggested 27 intermediate words)
8. start: BLOG
end: ABOUT
(suggested 36 intermediate words)
Super helpful hints or diabolical distractions?
guar vs. gaur
taro vs. tarot
word wordplay no-computers graph-theory
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
With the suggested number of intermediate steps, do you really mean the number of intermediate words? I think of a step as the process of going from one word to the next, in which case there would be one more intermediate steps than intermediate words.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
11 hours ago
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@JaapScherphuis — Ah, good call! I changed it to clarify that I meant intermediate words, not counting the start and end word. It's the old, tricky question of how many treads versus how many risers in a staircase.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
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Just to confirm - We must add/subtract a letter each time, so can't use a "superhero" word along the way, right?
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — At each intermediate step, you must reverse the previous word and either add or subtract a letter. The result must be a word, any word, as long as it's a word. It might even be a reversible or palindromatic word in itself, but that won't help you for the next step because you will have to add or remove a letter anyway.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
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* It's the old, tricky question of how many steps (treads versus risers) in a staircase? Tread count gives N, while riser count gives N+1.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Quietly walking among us are words which are actually superheroes in disguise! Just as Diana Prince spins around to become Wonder Woman, some seemingly ordinary words can spin around to reveal their super identities!
For example, STRESSED turns into DESSERTS just when you need it, and REVILED can turn around to DELIVER.
Meanwhile...
Poor little THINK is sitting all alone, thinking about how he could become the KNIGHT, if only he had a spare "G" ...
Just a mere mortal word without powers of transformation? Well, never fear! There is no shame in using an accessory (or ten) to enable your superpowers! (Respect, Batman, Green Lantern, and Iron Man!)
So now STINGIER can become the fiery REIGNITES(1), EMERGED can become the brilliant doctor DEGREE(2), and SALAMI can become fleet-footed IMPALAS(3)!
(1) with addition of an "E", sold separately
(2) after subtraction of a "G", not responsible for lost or missing pieces
(3) with addition of a "P", not included
But wait, there's more! With a well-stocked utility belt, some words can take on multiple transformations!
For example, DUAL becomes DUEL through the following transformation sequence:
DUAL
. .
. .
. ---U-->
. .
. .
LAD
. .
. .
. <--E---
. .
. .
DEAL
. .
. .
. ---A-->
. .
. .
LED
. .
. .
. <--U---
. .
. .
DUEL
Now let's see if you can help other superhero words find their own transformation sequence!
At each step, you may add or subtract a letter as you choose. You don't need to alternate additions and subtractions.
As always, I construct my puzzles in such a way that they can be solved using only well-known words, so if you find yourself conjuring up increasingly obscure words, you may be overthinking it.
The first three are just to get you warmed up, while 4-8 are serious:
1. start: SCAM
end: MAGES
(suggested 2 intermediate words)
2. start: TROOPER
end: TROOPED
(suggested 3 intermediate words)
3. start: XENON
end: WOK
(suggested 5 intermediate words)
4. start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
5. start: SEAPORT
end: SPIRITS
(suggested 17 intermediate words)
6. start: KNIGHT
end: TIME
(suggested 23 intermediate words)
7. start: GURU
end: SERIES
(suggested 27 intermediate words)
8. start: BLOG
end: ABOUT
(suggested 36 intermediate words)
Super helpful hints or diabolical distractions?
guar vs. gaur
taro vs. tarot
word wordplay no-computers graph-theory
$endgroup$
Quietly walking among us are words which are actually superheroes in disguise! Just as Diana Prince spins around to become Wonder Woman, some seemingly ordinary words can spin around to reveal their super identities!
For example, STRESSED turns into DESSERTS just when you need it, and REVILED can turn around to DELIVER.
Meanwhile...
Poor little THINK is sitting all alone, thinking about how he could become the KNIGHT, if only he had a spare "G" ...
Just a mere mortal word without powers of transformation? Well, never fear! There is no shame in using an accessory (or ten) to enable your superpowers! (Respect, Batman, Green Lantern, and Iron Man!)
So now STINGIER can become the fiery REIGNITES(1), EMERGED can become the brilliant doctor DEGREE(2), and SALAMI can become fleet-footed IMPALAS(3)!
(1) with addition of an "E", sold separately
(2) after subtraction of a "G", not responsible for lost or missing pieces
(3) with addition of a "P", not included
But wait, there's more! With a well-stocked utility belt, some words can take on multiple transformations!
For example, DUAL becomes DUEL through the following transformation sequence:
DUAL
. .
. .
. ---U-->
. .
. .
LAD
. .
. .
. <--E---
. .
. .
DEAL
. .
. .
. ---A-->
. .
. .
LED
. .
. .
. <--U---
. .
. .
DUEL
Now let's see if you can help other superhero words find their own transformation sequence!
At each step, you may add or subtract a letter as you choose. You don't need to alternate additions and subtractions.
As always, I construct my puzzles in such a way that they can be solved using only well-known words, so if you find yourself conjuring up increasingly obscure words, you may be overthinking it.
The first three are just to get you warmed up, while 4-8 are serious:
1. start: SCAM
end: MAGES
(suggested 2 intermediate words)
2. start: TROOPER
end: TROOPED
(suggested 3 intermediate words)
3. start: XENON
end: WOK
(suggested 5 intermediate words)
4. start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
5. start: SEAPORT
end: SPIRITS
(suggested 17 intermediate words)
6. start: KNIGHT
end: TIME
(suggested 23 intermediate words)
7. start: GURU
end: SERIES
(suggested 27 intermediate words)
8. start: BLOG
end: ABOUT
(suggested 36 intermediate words)
Super helpful hints or diabolical distractions?
guar vs. gaur
taro vs. tarot
word wordplay no-computers graph-theory
word wordplay no-computers graph-theory
edited 10 hours ago
SlowMagic
asked 11 hours ago
SlowMagicSlowMagic
74612
74612
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With the suggested number of intermediate steps, do you really mean the number of intermediate words? I think of a step as the process of going from one word to the next, in which case there would be one more intermediate steps than intermediate words.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
11 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — Ah, good call! I changed it to clarify that I meant intermediate words, not counting the start and end word. It's the old, tricky question of how many treads versus how many risers in a staircase.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Just to confirm - We must add/subtract a letter each time, so can't use a "superhero" word along the way, right?
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — At each intermediate step, you must reverse the previous word and either add or subtract a letter. The result must be a word, any word, as long as it's a word. It might even be a reversible or palindromatic word in itself, but that won't help you for the next step because you will have to add or remove a letter anyway.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
* It's the old, tricky question of how many steps (treads versus risers) in a staircase? Tread count gives N, while riser count gives N+1.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
With the suggested number of intermediate steps, do you really mean the number of intermediate words? I think of a step as the process of going from one word to the next, in which case there would be one more intermediate steps than intermediate words.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
11 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — Ah, good call! I changed it to clarify that I meant intermediate words, not counting the start and end word. It's the old, tricky question of how many treads versus how many risers in a staircase.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Just to confirm - We must add/subtract a letter each time, so can't use a "superhero" word along the way, right?
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — At each intermediate step, you must reverse the previous word and either add or subtract a letter. The result must be a word, any word, as long as it's a word. It might even be a reversible or palindromatic word in itself, but that won't help you for the next step because you will have to add or remove a letter anyway.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
* It's the old, tricky question of how many steps (treads versus risers) in a staircase? Tread count gives N, while riser count gives N+1.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
With the suggested number of intermediate steps, do you really mean the number of intermediate words? I think of a step as the process of going from one word to the next, in which case there would be one more intermediate steps than intermediate words.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
11 hours ago
$begingroup$
With the suggested number of intermediate steps, do you really mean the number of intermediate words? I think of a step as the process of going from one word to the next, in which case there would be one more intermediate steps than intermediate words.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
11 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — Ah, good call! I changed it to clarify that I meant intermediate words, not counting the start and end word. It's the old, tricky question of how many treads versus how many risers in a staircase.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — Ah, good call! I changed it to clarify that I meant intermediate words, not counting the start and end word. It's the old, tricky question of how many treads versus how many risers in a staircase.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Just to confirm - We must add/subtract a letter each time, so can't use a "superhero" word along the way, right?
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Just to confirm - We must add/subtract a letter each time, so can't use a "superhero" word along the way, right?
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — At each intermediate step, you must reverse the previous word and either add or subtract a letter. The result must be a word, any word, as long as it's a word. It might even be a reversible or palindromatic word in itself, but that won't help you for the next step because you will have to add or remove a letter anyway.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — At each intermediate step, you must reverse the previous word and either add or subtract a letter. The result must be a word, any word, as long as it's a word. It might even be a reversible or palindromatic word in itself, but that won't help you for the next step because you will have to add or remove a letter anyway.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
* It's the old, tricky question of how many steps (treads versus risers) in a staircase? Tread count gives N, while riser count gives N+1.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
* It's the old, tricky question of how many steps (treads versus risers) in a staircase? Tread count gives N, while riser count gives N+1.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
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Well, I'll start by taking the two easy ones:
SCAM -> MAGES:
SCAM -> MACES -> SEAM -> MAGES
TROOPER -> TROOPED
TROOPER -> REPORT -> TROPE -> DEPORT -> TROOPED
XENON -> WOK
XENON -> NONE -> EON -> NO -> WON -> KNOW -> WOK
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (25, sure I've gone the long way around) (23 now, 2 thanks to @Jaap Scherphuis )
SEAPORT -> TROPES -> SPORT -> TOPS -> POT -> TO -> OAT -> TA -> TAT -> AT -> TAP -> PANT -> NAP -> PAIN -> NIP -> PINS -> SIP -> IS -> SIT -> TIPS -> SPITS -> STRIPS -> SPIRITS
$endgroup$
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You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
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– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
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Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
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Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
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You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
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Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
KNIGHT to TIME using just 11 intermediate words.
KNIGHT
think
knit
stink
nits
tin
it
i
si
its
stim - this may be questionable, but exists in a modern and an older sense.
emits
TIME
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
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@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
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Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial
SLEEPY -> SLEEPER (14 words):
(Based off of arbitrahj’s answer)
SLEEPY
PEELS
SEEP
PEE
WEEP
PEW
WE
EWE
EWES
SEE
EELS
LEE
REEL
LEPER
REPELS
SLEEPER
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (11 words):
SEAPORT
TROPES
SPORT
TOPS
SOT (not sure if this is considered a “common” word or not)
TOES
SET
TIES
SIT
TIPS
SPITS
STRIPS
SPIRITS
KNIGHT -> TIME (11 words):
KNIGHT
THINK
KNIT
TIN
IT
TIP
PI
DIP
ID
DIT
TIED
DEMIT
TIME
GURU -> SERIES (25 words)
GURU
RUG
GUAR
RAG
GARS
SAG
GAPS
SPA
RAPS
PAR
RAPT
TAR
AT
TAD
DART
RAD
DEAR
RED
DEER
REEDS
SEER
FREES
SERF
FIRES
SERIFS
SIRES
SERIES
BLOG -> ABOUT (20 words):
BLOG
GOB (?)
BONG
NOB (?)
BORN
ROB
OR
ROD
DO
SOD
DUOS
SOU (?)
US
SUN
NUBS
BUN
SNUB
BUS
STUB
BUT
TUBA
ABOUT
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial:
- start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
SLEEPY, PEELS, SEEP, PEE, WEEP, PEW, WE, EWE, EWES, SEE, EVES, SEVER, REVELS, LEVER, REEL, LEPER, REPELS, SLEEPER (16)
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
BLOG to ABOUT in 14 words (Less than half the suggested words)
BLOG > GLOBE > LOBE > LOBES > SOLE > STOLE > LOST > LOTUS > LOCUST > SCOUT > OUTS > BOUTS > BOUT > ABOUT
New contributor
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
add a comment |
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Well, I'll start by taking the two easy ones:
SCAM -> MAGES:
SCAM -> MACES -> SEAM -> MAGES
TROOPER -> TROOPED
TROOPER -> REPORT -> TROPE -> DEPORT -> TROOPED
XENON -> WOK
XENON -> NONE -> EON -> NO -> WON -> KNOW -> WOK
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (25, sure I've gone the long way around) (23 now, 2 thanks to @Jaap Scherphuis )
SEAPORT -> TROPES -> SPORT -> TOPS -> POT -> TO -> OAT -> TA -> TAT -> AT -> TAP -> PANT -> NAP -> PAIN -> NIP -> PINS -> SIP -> IS -> SIT -> TIPS -> SPITS -> STRIPS -> SPIRITS
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Well, I'll start by taking the two easy ones:
SCAM -> MAGES:
SCAM -> MACES -> SEAM -> MAGES
TROOPER -> TROOPED
TROOPER -> REPORT -> TROPE -> DEPORT -> TROOPED
XENON -> WOK
XENON -> NONE -> EON -> NO -> WON -> KNOW -> WOK
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (25, sure I've gone the long way around) (23 now, 2 thanks to @Jaap Scherphuis )
SEAPORT -> TROPES -> SPORT -> TOPS -> POT -> TO -> OAT -> TA -> TAT -> AT -> TAP -> PANT -> NAP -> PAIN -> NIP -> PINS -> SIP -> IS -> SIT -> TIPS -> SPITS -> STRIPS -> SPIRITS
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Well, I'll start by taking the two easy ones:
SCAM -> MAGES:
SCAM -> MACES -> SEAM -> MAGES
TROOPER -> TROOPED
TROOPER -> REPORT -> TROPE -> DEPORT -> TROOPED
XENON -> WOK
XENON -> NONE -> EON -> NO -> WON -> KNOW -> WOK
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (25, sure I've gone the long way around) (23 now, 2 thanks to @Jaap Scherphuis )
SEAPORT -> TROPES -> SPORT -> TOPS -> POT -> TO -> OAT -> TA -> TAT -> AT -> TAP -> PANT -> NAP -> PAIN -> NIP -> PINS -> SIP -> IS -> SIT -> TIPS -> SPITS -> STRIPS -> SPIRITS
$endgroup$
Well, I'll start by taking the two easy ones:
SCAM -> MAGES:
SCAM -> MACES -> SEAM -> MAGES
TROOPER -> TROOPED
TROOPER -> REPORT -> TROPE -> DEPORT -> TROOPED
XENON -> WOK
XENON -> NONE -> EON -> NO -> WON -> KNOW -> WOK
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (25, sure I've gone the long way around) (23 now, 2 thanks to @Jaap Scherphuis )
SEAPORT -> TROPES -> SPORT -> TOPS -> POT -> TO -> OAT -> TA -> TAT -> AT -> TAP -> PANT -> NAP -> PAIN -> NIP -> PINS -> SIP -> IS -> SIT -> TIPS -> SPITS -> STRIPS -> SPIRITS
edited 8 hours ago
answered 10 hours ago
MohirlMohirl
2,354719
2,354719
$begingroup$
You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can go straight from TOPS to POT, shortening it by two.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Good work on SEAPORT! If "TA" is bothering you, consider my diabolical hints. Or not.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
Ah!! Thanks Jaap. I started from both ends and worked towards the middle, obviously went too far on one side!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can’t go from OAT to TAO as you must add/remove a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Doh! Good point, thanks, I've reverted that bit. @PiIsNot3 has a much more efficient answer for that one anyway
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
KNIGHT to TIME using just 11 intermediate words.
KNIGHT
think
knit
stink
nits
tin
it
i
si
its
stim - this may be questionable, but exists in a modern and an older sense.
emits
TIME
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
KNIGHT to TIME using just 11 intermediate words.
KNIGHT
think
knit
stink
nits
tin
it
i
si
its
stim - this may be questionable, but exists in a modern and an older sense.
emits
TIME
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
KNIGHT to TIME using just 11 intermediate words.
KNIGHT
think
knit
stink
nits
tin
it
i
si
its
stim - this may be questionable, but exists in a modern and an older sense.
emits
TIME
$endgroup$
KNIGHT to TIME using just 11 intermediate words.
KNIGHT
think
knit
stink
nits
tin
it
i
si
its
stim - this may be questionable, but exists in a modern and an older sense.
emits
TIME
answered 10 hours ago
Jaap ScherphuisJaap Scherphuis
16.4k12772
16.4k12772
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
If stim is too eclectic, you could always try the more common mist, I suppose.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@El-Guest That wouldn’t follow the rules of reversing the word and adding or removing a letter.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Could you do it -> tie -> emit -> time (or must you always add and remove a letter)? I feel it says "may"...
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial
SLEEPY -> SLEEPER (14 words):
(Based off of arbitrahj’s answer)
SLEEPY
PEELS
SEEP
PEE
WEEP
PEW
WE
EWE
EWES
SEE
EELS
LEE
REEL
LEPER
REPELS
SLEEPER
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (11 words):
SEAPORT
TROPES
SPORT
TOPS
SOT (not sure if this is considered a “common” word or not)
TOES
SET
TIES
SIT
TIPS
SPITS
STRIPS
SPIRITS
KNIGHT -> TIME (11 words):
KNIGHT
THINK
KNIT
TIN
IT
TIP
PI
DIP
ID
DIT
TIED
DEMIT
TIME
GURU -> SERIES (25 words)
GURU
RUG
GUAR
RAG
GARS
SAG
GAPS
SPA
RAPS
PAR
RAPT
TAR
AT
TAD
DART
RAD
DEAR
RED
DEER
REEDS
SEER
FREES
SERF
FIRES
SERIFS
SIRES
SERIES
BLOG -> ABOUT (20 words):
BLOG
GOB (?)
BONG
NOB (?)
BORN
ROB
OR
ROD
DO
SOD
DUOS
SOU (?)
US
SUN
NUBS
BUN
SNUB
BUS
STUB
BUT
TUBA
ABOUT
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial
SLEEPY -> SLEEPER (14 words):
(Based off of arbitrahj’s answer)
SLEEPY
PEELS
SEEP
PEE
WEEP
PEW
WE
EWE
EWES
SEE
EELS
LEE
REEL
LEPER
REPELS
SLEEPER
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (11 words):
SEAPORT
TROPES
SPORT
TOPS
SOT (not sure if this is considered a “common” word or not)
TOES
SET
TIES
SIT
TIPS
SPITS
STRIPS
SPIRITS
KNIGHT -> TIME (11 words):
KNIGHT
THINK
KNIT
TIN
IT
TIP
PI
DIP
ID
DIT
TIED
DEMIT
TIME
GURU -> SERIES (25 words)
GURU
RUG
GUAR
RAG
GARS
SAG
GAPS
SPA
RAPS
PAR
RAPT
TAR
AT
TAD
DART
RAD
DEAR
RED
DEER
REEDS
SEER
FREES
SERF
FIRES
SERIFS
SIRES
SERIES
BLOG -> ABOUT (20 words):
BLOG
GOB (?)
BONG
NOB (?)
BORN
ROB
OR
ROD
DO
SOD
DUOS
SOU (?)
US
SUN
NUBS
BUN
SNUB
BUS
STUB
BUT
TUBA
ABOUT
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial
SLEEPY -> SLEEPER (14 words):
(Based off of arbitrahj’s answer)
SLEEPY
PEELS
SEEP
PEE
WEEP
PEW
WE
EWE
EWES
SEE
EELS
LEE
REEL
LEPER
REPELS
SLEEPER
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (11 words):
SEAPORT
TROPES
SPORT
TOPS
SOT (not sure if this is considered a “common” word or not)
TOES
SET
TIES
SIT
TIPS
SPITS
STRIPS
SPIRITS
KNIGHT -> TIME (11 words):
KNIGHT
THINK
KNIT
TIN
IT
TIP
PI
DIP
ID
DIT
TIED
DEMIT
TIME
GURU -> SERIES (25 words)
GURU
RUG
GUAR
RAG
GARS
SAG
GAPS
SPA
RAPS
PAR
RAPT
TAR
AT
TAD
DART
RAD
DEAR
RED
DEER
REEDS
SEER
FREES
SERF
FIRES
SERIFS
SIRES
SERIES
BLOG -> ABOUT (20 words):
BLOG
GOB (?)
BONG
NOB (?)
BORN
ROB
OR
ROD
DO
SOD
DUOS
SOU (?)
US
SUN
NUBS
BUN
SNUB
BUS
STUB
BUT
TUBA
ABOUT
$endgroup$
Partial
SLEEPY -> SLEEPER (14 words):
(Based off of arbitrahj’s answer)
SLEEPY
PEELS
SEEP
PEE
WEEP
PEW
WE
EWE
EWES
SEE
EELS
LEE
REEL
LEPER
REPELS
SLEEPER
SEAPORT -> SPIRITS (11 words):
SEAPORT
TROPES
SPORT
TOPS
SOT (not sure if this is considered a “common” word or not)
TOES
SET
TIES
SIT
TIPS
SPITS
STRIPS
SPIRITS
KNIGHT -> TIME (11 words):
KNIGHT
THINK
KNIT
TIN
IT
TIP
PI
DIP
ID
DIT
TIED
DEMIT
TIME
GURU -> SERIES (25 words)
GURU
RUG
GUAR
RAG
GARS
SAG
GAPS
SPA
RAPS
PAR
RAPT
TAR
AT
TAD
DART
RAD
DEAR
RED
DEER
REEDS
SEER
FREES
SERF
FIRES
SERIFS
SIRES
SERIES
BLOG -> ABOUT (20 words):
BLOG
GOB (?)
BONG
NOB (?)
BORN
ROB
OR
ROD
DO
SOD
DUOS
SOU (?)
US
SUN
NUBS
BUN
SNUB
BUS
STUB
BUT
TUBA
ABOUT
edited 5 hours ago
answered 9 hours ago
PiIsNot3PiIsNot3
46311
46311
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Yep, the SEAPORT one looks fine to me. Nice one!
$endgroup$
– Mohirl
8 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial:
- start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
SLEEPY, PEELS, SEEP, PEE, WEEP, PEW, WE, EWE, EWES, SEE, EVES, SEVER, REVELS, LEVER, REEL, LEPER, REPELS, SLEEPER (16)
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial:
- start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
SLEEPY, PEELS, SEEP, PEE, WEEP, PEW, WE, EWE, EWES, SEE, EVES, SEVER, REVELS, LEVER, REEL, LEPER, REPELS, SLEEPER (16)
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Partial:
- start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
SLEEPY, PEELS, SEEP, PEE, WEEP, PEW, WE, EWE, EWES, SEE, EVES, SEVER, REVELS, LEVER, REEL, LEPER, REPELS, SLEEPER (16)
$endgroup$
Partial:
- start: SLEEPY
end: SLEEPER
(suggested 16 intermediate words)
SLEEPY, PEELS, SEEP, PEE, WEEP, PEW, WE, EWE, EWES, SEE, EVES, SEVER, REVELS, LEVER, REEL, LEPER, REPELS, SLEEPER (16)
answered 6 hours ago
arbitrahjarbitrahj
930113
930113
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
You can save two words by doing EWES -> SEE -> EELS -> LEE -> REEL, I believe
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Nice! Take it and compile em all for the win!
$endgroup$
– arbitrahj
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Thanks! I was actually really close on this one but couldn’t figure out how to go from WE to REEL. I actually had EWE written down at one point, but I didn’t think that would go anywhere, so props to you for making the connection that I couldn’t! :)
$endgroup$
– PiIsNot3
5 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
BLOG to ABOUT in 14 words (Less than half the suggested words)
BLOG > GLOBE > LOBE > LOBES > SOLE > STOLE > LOST > LOTUS > LOCUST > SCOUT > OUTS > BOUTS > BOUT > ABOUT
New contributor
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
BLOG to ABOUT in 14 words (Less than half the suggested words)
BLOG > GLOBE > LOBE > LOBES > SOLE > STOLE > LOST > LOTUS > LOCUST > SCOUT > OUTS > BOUTS > BOUT > ABOUT
New contributor
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
BLOG to ABOUT in 14 words (Less than half the suggested words)
BLOG > GLOBE > LOBE > LOBES > SOLE > STOLE > LOST > LOTUS > LOCUST > SCOUT > OUTS > BOUTS > BOUT > ABOUT
New contributor
$endgroup$
BLOG to ABOUT in 14 words (Less than half the suggested words)
BLOG > GLOBE > LOBE > LOBES > SOLE > STOLE > LOST > LOTUS > LOCUST > SCOUT > OUTS > BOUTS > BOUT > ABOUT
New contributor
New contributor
answered 3 hours ago
MeanJerryMeanJerry
1
1
New contributor
New contributor
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Great first post! However, I don't think that your answer fits the criteria of reversing the word, and then adding or subtracting a letter.
$endgroup$
– El-Guest
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Puzzling Stack Exchange!
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$begingroup$
With the suggested number of intermediate steps, do you really mean the number of intermediate words? I think of a step as the process of going from one word to the next, in which case there would be one more intermediate steps than intermediate words.
$endgroup$
– Jaap Scherphuis
11 hours ago
$begingroup$
@JaapScherphuis — Ah, good call! I changed it to clarify that I meant intermediate words, not counting the start and end word. It's the old, tricky question of how many treads versus how many risers in a staircase.
$endgroup$
– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
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Just to confirm - We must add/subtract a letter each time, so can't use a "superhero" word along the way, right?
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– Jaap Scherphuis
10 hours ago
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@JaapScherphuis — At each intermediate step, you must reverse the previous word and either add or subtract a letter. The result must be a word, any word, as long as it's a word. It might even be a reversible or palindromatic word in itself, but that won't help you for the next step because you will have to add or remove a letter anyway.
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– SlowMagic
10 hours ago
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* It's the old, tricky question of how many steps (treads versus risers) in a staircase? Tread count gives N, while riser count gives N+1.
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– SlowMagic
10 hours ago