NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle

July 5, 2026

Will Shortz (3-8)

 

The two words in each pair below can be changed to new ones by adding the same two letters to the end of the first word and to the beginning of the second word. One of the answers is a two-word phrase.

 

Ex: PAPA - PRESS

Ans: PAPACY - CYPRESS

 

1. TOT - BARK

2. DEBT - DEAL 

3. LATER - READY

4. HABIT - TEMPT

5. SINCE - VENUE

6. SURGE - STAGE 

7. BLANK - CHING 

8. SHACK - GROOM

 

Answers:

 

1. TOTEM - EMBARK

2. DEBTOR - ORDEAL 

3. LATERAL - ALREADY

4. HABITAT - ATTEMPT

5. SINCERE - REVENUE

6. SURGEON - ON STAGE  

7. BLANKET - ETCHING 

8. SHACKLE - LEGROOM