Poople #117 Answer: APES to POOP
December 9, 2025 · Medium · 7 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from APES to POOP takes 7 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1APESAPED4th letter, S to D
- Step 2APEDSPED1st letter, A to S
- Step 3SPEDSLED2nd letter, P to L
- Step 4SLEDPLED1st letter, S to P
- Step 5PLEDPLOD3rd letter, E to O
- Step 6PLODPLOP4th letter, D to P
- Step 7PLOPPOOP2nd letter, L to O
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About this puzzle
Par 7 of 11. Rated Medium.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from APES to POOP.
APES connects to 11 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Harder than #116 (JETS, par 5) by 2 move(s). #116 JETS
Harder than #118 (HART, par 5) by 2 move(s). #118 HART
How the routes branch
Every word in this ladder is forced. Swap any single word for another valid neighbour and the route gets longer.
APES has only one shortest path to POOP. The path from APED to SPED is the only way to avoid extra moves.
Bridge words
- APES(noun)
- Large tailless primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees.
- APED(verb)
- Past tense of ape, meaning to imitate or copy someone.
- SPED(verb)
- Past tense of speed, meaning to move very fast.
- SLED(noun)
- A small vehicle on runners for sliding over snow.
- PLED(verb)
- A past tense of plead, meaning to argue or appeal earnestly.
- PLOD(verb)
- To walk slowly and heavily.
- PLOP(verb)
- To fall with a soft sound, like an object dropping into water.
First moves from APES
APES has 11 legal first moves. Only one of them stays on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 6 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 8 moves total to POOP.
Costs two extra moves: 9 moves total to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
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Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #117 answer?
The #117 start word is APES. One shortest path to POOP takes 7 moves: APES -> APED -> SPED -> SLED -> PLED -> PLOD -> PLOP -> POOP.
Is there really only one shortest way to turn APES into POOP?
Yes, there is only one shortest solution for this puzzle. The unique path is APES -> APED -> SPED -> SLED -> PLED -> PLOD -> PLOP -> POOP, taking 7 moves.
Which first move from APES keeps me on the shortest path?
Only changing APES to APED keeps you on the shortest path to POOP. All other first moves, such as APEX or ACES, will add at least one extra move to your solution.
APES has 11 neighbors. Do many of them lead to longer solutions?
Yes, a significant number of APES’s neighbors lead to longer solutions. Only APED keeps you on the shortest path, while 3 neighbors add one extra move, and 7 neighbors add two extra moves.