Poople

Poople #286 Answer: CAKE to POOP

May 27, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves

Full solution

The shortest path from CAKE to POOP takes 5 moves.

Shortest path

CAKECOKEPOKEPOMEPOMPPOOP
  1. Step 1CAKECOKE2nd letter, A to O
  2. Step 2COKEPOKE1st letter, C to P
  3. Step 3POKEPOME3rd letter, K to M
  4. Step 4POMEPOMP4th letter, E to P
  5. Step 5POMPPOOP3rd letter, M to O
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About this puzzle

Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.

9 distinct shortest path(s) from CAKE to POOP.

CAKE connects to 17 other valid words.

The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.

Easier than #285 (MUTE, par 6) by 1 move(s). #285 MUTE

Easier than #287 (ACTS, par 8) by 3 move(s). #287 ACTS

How the routes branch

Right after CAKE, 2 different words keep the route just as short: CAME, COKE. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.

The solution to today's puzzle, "cake" to "poop," was a real treat! That "poke" to "pome" step was a clever touch, like a little dessert in the middle.

Bridge words

CAKE(noun)
A sweet baked food made from flour, sugar, and eggs.
COKE(noun)
A carbonated soft drink, often brown, produced by Coca-Cola or similar companies.
POKE(verb)
to prod or push something with a finger or pointed object
POME(noun)
A fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear.
POMP(noun)
Grand and showy ceremonial display.

First moves from CAKE

CAKE has 17 legal first moves. 2 of them stay on a shortest path to POOP.

Stays on the shortest path: 4 moves left to POOP.

CAMECOKE

Costs one extra move: 6 moves total to POOP.

CAFECAGECANECAPECARECASECAVESAKETAKEWAKE

Costs two extra moves: 7 moves total to POOP.

BAKEFAKELAKEMAKERAKE

Stuck on a different word?

Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.

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FAQ

What is the Poople #286 answer?

The #286 start word is CAKE. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: CAKE -> COKE -> POKE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.

Are there many ways to get from CAKE to POOP?

Yes, there are at least 9 shortest solutions to get from CAKE to POOP. All of these solutions are 5 moves long, matching the par for this puzzle. They all start with either CAME or COKE.

What is the best first move from CAKE?

The best first moves from CAKE are CAME or COKE, as both lead to POOP in 4 more moves. Other moves like CAFE or SAKE will cost you an extra move, making your path 6 steps long. Moves like BAKE or MAKE will add two extra moves, resulting in a 7-step solution.

What is the word POME in the solution paths?

POME is a type of fleshy fruit with a core, like an apple or a pear. It appears in several shortest solutions, such as CAKE -> COKE -> POKE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP. This word helps bridge the gap between POKE and POMP in some paths.

Do all the shortest solutions follow a similar path?

Yes, all shortest solutions share a common structure. They all begin with CAKE and then diverge into either CAME or COKE as the second step. Eventually, all paths converge to POOP, often passing through words like COMP or POMP.