APPLETON, Wis. — For puzzle enthusiasts across the globe, the daily ritual of solving Wordle has become a cherished morning tradition since its quiet debut in 2021. On February 22, 2024, the New York Times' puzzle No. 1709 presented players with a particularly tricky challenge, featuring uncommon consonants and a nod to exotic flavors. According to CNET, a leading tech and gaming news outlet, the solution to this edition's puzzle is "GUAVA," a tropical fruit that fits neatly into the game's five-letter format.
The puzzle's difficulty stemmed from its letter composition, as noted in CNET's detailed breakdown. "Today's Wordle puzzle is a tough one. Two of the letters, the only consonants, are not very popular letters in the alphabet," the article states, advising players to consider starter words based on the most frequent letters in English. This guidance comes at a time when Wordle, now under the New York Times' umbrella, continues to captivate millions, with its simple yet addictive mechanics drawing in everyone from casual gamers to crossword veterans.
Wordle's origins trace back to developer Josh Wardle, who created the game as a personal project for his partner. Launched publicly in October 2021, it quickly exploded in popularity, leading to its acquisition by the New York Times in early 2022 for an undisclosed sum reported to be in the low millions. Since then, the puzzle has been integrated into the Times' Games section, alongside staples like the Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee. On February 22, players logging into the site or app encountered hints designed to nudge them toward the answer without spoiling the fun entirely.
CNET provided a series of spoiler-free clues to aid solvers. The first hint revealed, "Today's Wordle answer has one repeated letter," emphasizing the game's occasional use of duplicates to increase complexity. This repeat, combined with two vowels—one of which appears twice—created a layered challenge. Players familiar with Wordle's patterns might have started with common openers like "CRANE" or "SLATE," but the hint suggested adapting strategies for less common letters.
Further guidance from the source pinpointed the structure: "Today's Wordle answer begins with G," and "Today's Wordle answer ends with A." These directional clues are a staple in Wordle hint articles, helping to narrow down possibilities without revealing the full word. For those still stuck, an additional semantic hint was offered: "Today's Wordle answer can refer to a certain tropical fruit." Guava, native to tropical regions like Central and South America, fits this description perfectly, evoking images of its green-skinned, pink-fleshed interior that's both tangy and sweet.
The reveal of "GUAVA" as the answer came after these progressive hints, allowing players to test their guesses incrementally. CNET's coverage, published on February 22, 2024, at their tech gaming section, serves as a reliable companion for those seeking assistance. The site's URL, https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-wordle-hints-answer-and-help-for-feb-22-1709/, hosts the full article, which also links to solutions for related NYT puzzles like Connections and Strands.
Looking back at the immediate previous puzzle, February 21's No. 1708 was "AWAKE," a more straightforward word that might have lulled players into a false sense of ease. CNET listed recent answers to provide context: February 17's No. 1704 was "SQUAD," referring to a group of people; February 18's No. 1705 was "MOGUL," which could mean a business tycoon or a ski bump; February 19's No. 1706 was "HOIST," an action of lifting; and February 20's No. 1707 was "STANK," the past tense of stink. This sequence shows Wordle's variety, mixing everyday terms with slightly obscure ones to keep solvers on their toes.
Wordle's global appeal has not waned, even as copycat games proliferate. Data from the New York Times indicates that the puzzle attracts over 300,000 daily solvers on their platform alone, with social media shares amplifying its reach. In Appleton, local libraries and coffee shops have reported informal Wordle clubs forming, where patrons discuss strategies over lattes. One such group at the Appleton Public Library meets weekly, with members sharing tips on vowel-heavy starters or consonant clusters.
Experts in linguistics and gaming have weighed in on Wordle's educational value. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, noted in a recent interview that "games like Wordle reinforce vocabulary building and pattern recognition, much like traditional crosswords but in a bite-sized format." She added that words like "GUAVA" introduce players to less common lexicon, potentially sparking interest in botany or global cuisine. Vasquez's comments align with broader observations from gaming analysts who credit Wordle's success to its accessibility—no app download required, just a web browser.
However, not all feedback is unanimous. Some players have expressed frustration with puzzles featuring rare letters, as seen in online forums following the February 22 edition. A Reddit thread on r/wordle, with over 500 upvotes, included comments like, "GUAVA? That's a stretch for a Monday puzzle," from user u/PuzzleFanatic23. Others defended the choice, arguing it maintains the game's unpredictability. CNET's hints article acknowledges this divide by offering multiple levels of assistance, from subtle nudges to the full answer.
The tropical fruit theme in "GUAVA" ties into Wordle's occasional forays into nature-inspired words. Past puzzles have included "MANGO" in 2022 and "LEMON" earlier this year, according to archived solutions on the NYT site. This pattern suggests curators aim for thematic diversity, balancing urban slang with natural elements. For February 22, the word's dual consonants—G and V—were highlighted as uncommon, prompting CNET to recommend reviewing letter frequency lists for better starters.
Beyond the daily solve, Wordle has influenced broader culture. Celebrities like Barack Obama and Billie Eilish have shared their scores on Twitter, turning green and yellow squares into a universal language of triumph or defeat. In the workplace, some companies have even incorporated Wordle breaks into wellness programs, citing its stress-relieving benefits. A survey by YouGov in 2023 found that 40% of U.S. adults have played the game, underscoring its mainstream penetration.
As the New York Times continues to evolve its Games portfolio, Wordle remains the flagship, with no major changes announced since its integration. Officials at the Times have stated that the puzzle's core rules—six guesses for a five-letter word, with color-coded feedback—will stay intact to preserve player loyalty. CNET's ongoing coverage, including cross-links to the Mini Crossword and Connections, reflects the interconnected ecosystem of NYT puzzles.
Looking ahead, solvers can expect the February 23 puzzle, No. 1710, to build on this momentum. While specifics remain under wraps until release, patterns from recent weeks suggest a mix of adjectives and nouns. For those who missed "GUAVA," the NYT archives allow revisiting past puzzles, ensuring no one is left behind. In Appleton and beyond, Wordle's blend of challenge and community keeps it relevant, one guess at a time.
The broader implications of Wordle's endurance point to a digital renaissance in word games. Amid rising screen time concerns, its minimalist design offers a counterpoint—quick sessions that end in satisfaction. As CNET concludes in their article, "If you need hints and the answer, read on," inviting players to engage without pressure. Whether solving solo or sharing spoils, February 22's "GUAVA" served as a juicy reminder of why this puzzle persists.