Wall Street Journal Crossword

November 22, 2025

Gary Larson and Amy Ensz

 

The words below have something in common that is hinted at by the last clue. Can you determine what it is?

 

1. CARES

2. HOME

3. MOVE

4. PATENT 

5. PHONES 

6. CORNER

7. SHOWER

8. Spelling rule with many exceptions

 

Answer:

 

The spelling rule is, I BEFORE E (except after C). Each clue word can be changed to a new one by adding an I before an E:

 

1. CARIES (dental cavities)  

2. HOMIE

3. MOVIE

4. PATIENT

5. PHONIES

6. CORNIER

7. SHOWIER