The Missing Letter Introduction/History
The Missing Letter is a daily online crossword puzzle from Merriam-Webster, written by celebrated crossword creator Matt Gaffney.
Each clue is a dictionary definition, and each answer begins with a different letter of the alphabet. At the end of the puzzle, the one letter not used is the “missing letter,” and players can collect these daily letters throughout the week to unscramble a weekly Mystery Word.
The game combines traditional crossword solving with an alphabetic twist, offering a fresh challenge for crossword enthusiasts and vocabulary lovers.
Rules of The Missing Letter
Players are presented with a set of clues, each with a dictionary definition. Key mechanics include:
- Answer Each Clue: Every answer must start with a different letter of the alphabet.
- Identify the Missing Letter: After filling in all answers, the letter not used is the “missing letter” for that day.
- Weekly Mystery Word: Collect the daily missing letters to unscramble a weekly word for an added challenge.
The game is updated daily, giving players a new puzzle each day, and emphasizes vocabulary knowledge and deduction skills.
The Missing Letter Strategy
Work Alphabetically
Use the constraint that each answer begins with a different letter to narrow possibilities, especially for letters with fewer common words.
Leverage Dictionary Knowledge
Because all clues are dictionary definitions, having a broad vocabulary and familiarity with Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary helps.
Solve Easy Clues First
Filling in the easiest clues first gives you context for trickier answers, and helps narrow down which letters might be missing.
Track Missing Letters
As you fill in the puzzle, note which letters have been used — this makes identifying the missing letter quicker at the end.