Poople #221 Answer: WERE to POOP
March 23, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from WERE to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1WEREWORE2nd letter, E to O
- Step 2WOREPORE1st letter, W to P
- Step 3POREPOME3rd letter, R to M
- Step 4POMEPOMP4th letter, E to P
- Step 5POMPPOOP3rd letter, M to O
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from WERE to POOP.
WERE connects to 6 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Easier than #220 (LAND, par 6) by 1 move(s). #220 LAND
Easier than #222 (TIER, par 6) by 1 move(s). #222 TIER
How the routes branch
Every word in this ladder is forced. Swap any single word for another valid neighbour and the route gets longer.
Well, that escalated quickly! From "were" to "poop" in just five steps, this ladder took a wild turn at "pomp."
Bridge words
- WERE(verb)
- Second person singular past, and plural past of the verb 'be'.
- WORE(verb)
- Past tense of wear, meaning to have on the body.
- PORE(noun)
- a minute opening in a surface, especially one through which liquid may pass
- POME(noun)
- A fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear.
- POMP(noun)
- Grand and showy ceremonial display.
First moves from WERE
WERE has 6 legal first moves. Only one of them stays on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 4 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 6 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 #221 answer?
The #221 start word is WERE. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: WERE -> WORE -> PORE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.
Is there really only one shortest solution for WERE to POOP?
Yes, there is only one shortest path of 5 moves to transform WERE into POOP. This unique path is WERE -> WORE -> PORE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP. Any other sequence of moves will result in a longer ladder.
What is the best first move from WERE?
The best first move from WERE is WORE, as it is the only move that keeps you on a shortest path to POOP. All other first moves, such as HERE, MERE, SERE, WARE, and WIRE, will add at least one extra move to your solution.
Why is POME an important word in this puzzle?
POME is a crucial bridge word in the shortest solution for this puzzle. It connects PORE to POMP, which then leads directly to POOP. Without POME, reaching POOP in the minimum number of steps would be much more difficult.