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USA Today Up & Down Words Answers

Complete, verified answers to USA Today Up & Down Words — the daily word-chain puzzle. Each puzzle has seven two-word answers, and the second word of every answer becomes the first word of the next. Pick a date below to see the full chain.

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Latest puzzle

July 9, 2026 Answers

Thursday · The full seven-answer chain, ready now.
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About USA Today Up & Down Words

Up & Down Words is USA Today's daily word-chain puzzle by David L. Hoyt. Each puzzle has seven clues, and every answer is a two-word phrase — the second word of each answer becomes the first word of the next, forming a continuous ladder from top to bottom. One stuck link can stall the whole chain, which is where this archive comes in.

How to use this archive

Every date above links to a full answer page listing the complete chain in order. From there, tap View Answers on any clue to open its own page, showing the answer and its position in the chain. New solutions are added automatically as each puzzle goes live.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find today's Up & Down Words answers?
The most recent puzzle is featured at the top of this page as the “Latest puzzle.” Tap it to see the complete seven-answer chain. New answers post automatically each day.
How does the Up & Down Words chain work?
Every answer is a two-word phrase, and the second word of each answer is the first word of the next one down, so the seven answers form a continuous ladder.
Who creates the puzzle?
USA Today Up & Down Words is created by David L. Hoyt and published daily by USA Today.
Is the site free to use?
Yes — every answer, date page, and clue page is completely free, with no account or subscription.