NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle

November 3, 2024

Will Shortz (Adapted)

 

What do the following words have in common that has nothing to do with their meanings?

 

1. BOO

2. CAN

3. MOO

4. CHEW

5. NEIGH

6. GRAY

7. BLEW

8. SINNER

9. SPANNED

HINTS:

a. This is a phonetic puzzle.

b. Each word can phonetically be followed by something.

 

Answer:

 

Each word can be followed by a letter of the alphabet to phonetically make a new word:

 

1. BOO + K = BOUQUET

2. CAN + D = CANDY

3. MOO + D = MOOD

4. CHEW + Z = CHOOSY

5. NEIGH + V = NAVY

6. GRAY + V = GRAVY

7. BLEW + J = BLUEJAY

8. SINNER + G = SYNERGY

9. SPANNED + X = SPANDEX