Wordle Hint for January 18, 2026: Puzzle #1674

Today's Wordle puzzle (#1674) on January 18, 2026, presents a unique challenge that might trip up even seasoned players. The answer is a less common word with a specific spelling pattern, making it a tricky one to guess without some strategic thinking. If you're feeling stuck, don't worry—this guide provides hints to nudge you in the right direction, followed by the answer and some tips on how to tackle similar puzzles.

Hints for Today's Wordle (January 18, 2026)

Here are three hints, starting vague and getting more specific, to help you solve Wordle #1674 without spoiling the answer immediately. Use these if you need a little push!

• Hint 1 (Vague): This word is often associated with a type of plant or spice, commonly found in certain cuisines.
• Hint 2 (Specific): It contains a double letter, but not in the way you might expect—look for a repeated consonant in the middle.
• Hint 3 (Very Specific): The word starts with 'S', ends with 'C', and has five letters total, with the third and fourth letters being the same.

The Answer to Wordle #1674 (January 18, 2026)

If you're ready to see the solution, here it is:

The answer is SUMAC.

Yes, that's right—"SUMAC" is the correct word for today's puzzle. It refers to a flowering plant or its dried berries, often used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. Did you guess it? If not, don't fret; it's a less common term that can be tricky to pin down.

Strategy for Solving Today's Wordle

Today's Wordle was challenging due to a few key factors. First, "SUMAC" is not an everyday word for many players, so it might not come to mind immediately. Second, it contains a double letter ('MA'), but this isn't a typical double consonant like 'LL' or 'SS', which can throw off your guessing pattern. To solve it efficiently:

1. Start with a Strong Opener: Use a word that includes common vowels and consonants, like "CRANE" or "SLATE," to eliminate possibilities early.
2. Watch for Uncommon Patterns: If you get hints of an 'S' start and 'C' end, consider less common words—today's answer fits this niche.
3. Leverage Letter Repetition: When you suspect a double letter, experiment with different positions; here, the double 'M' is in the middle, which is less common in Wordle answers.

Overall, today's puzzle highlights the importance of broadening your vocabulary and being flexible with letter patterns. Good luck with your next Wordle, and happy puzzling!