NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle

August 2, 2026

Will Shortz 

 

Ex. A hand soap in reverse means "placed"

Ans: DIAL - LAID

 

1. A laundry soap in reverse means to make changes in text

 

2. A powdered drink mix in reverse means a flying insect pest

 

3. A canned meat in reverse means the contents of an atlas

 

4. A chewable antacid in reverse means obscene material

 

5. A cosmetic and skin care company in reverse means an exploding star

 

6. A rental car company in reverse means part of a Hindu trinity

 

7. A bygone Swedish car in reverse means the sounds of sheep

 

8. A brand of bottled water in reverse means easily fooled

 

9. Japanese watch maker in reverse means residents of the Sooner State 

 

10. A wafer cookie in reverse means a bold poker bet

 

11. A candy bar with chocolate covered wafers in reverse means (phonetically) a bit of strategy 

 

Answers:

 

1. TIDE - EDIT

2. TANG - GNAT

3. SPAM - MAPS

4. TUMS - SMUT

5. AVON - NOVA

6. AVIS - SIVA

7. SAAB - BAAS

8. EVIAN - NAIVE

9. SEIKO - OKIES

10. NILLA - ALL IN

11. KITKAT - TAKTIK (tactic)