Today’s New York Times Wordle puzzle is live, and Monday’s challenge comes with a musical twist. Puzzle #1696 features a five-letter word with a double consonant—an element that can easily disrupt familiar solving patterns.
Whether you’re trying to protect a long-running streak or simply enjoy your daily word game, here’s everything you need to know, from gentle hints to the final answer.
What Is Wordle?
Wordle gives players six chances to guess a five-letter word. After each attempt, tiles change colour to offer feedback:
- Green means the letter is correct and in the right position
- Yellow means the letter is correct but misplaced
- Grey means the letter is not in the word
Created by Josh Wardle in 2021 and later acquired by The New York Times, Wordle has become a daily ritual for millions of players worldwide.
Letter Breakdown for Wordle #1696
Here’s a quick look at today’s word structure:
- Total vowels: 2
- Total consonants: 3
- Repeated letters: Yes (one letter appears twice)
- Letter difficulty: All commonly used letters
Progressive Hints for Today’s Wordle
If you’re stuck, try these clues in order and stop when you’ve got it.
Hint 1: Think of a word associated with orchestras and classical music.
Hint 2: The answer is a noun and refers to a musical instrument.
Hint 3: The word begins with C and ends with O.
Hint 4: The vowels sit in the second and fifth positions, with a double consonant in the middle.
Final Hint: It’s a large string instrument played with a bow, held between the knees.
Today’s Wordle Answer (Spoiler Alert)
Scroll carefully—this is your final warning.
The answer to Wordle puzzle #1696 is: CELLO.
What Makes Today’s Puzzle Tricky?
The challenge lies in the double L, which can easily throw off elimination strategies. While the letters themselves are common, repeated consonants often cause players to test incorrect single-letter variations first.
Recognising the musical instrument category early can significantly narrow down your options and save valuable guesses.
Did You Know?
The word cello comes from the Italian violoncello, meaning “little violone.” The instrument is often described as the one that most closely resembles the human voice in tone and range—making today’s Wordle both elegant and memorable.
Difficulty Rating
- Overall difficulty: Medium
- Estimated average solves: Around 4 attempts
Wordle #1696 rewards careful pattern recognition and reminds players not to rule out repeated letters too quickly.
A new puzzle arrives at midnight in your local time zone. Did CELLO strike the right chord for you today, or did it take a few extra tries? Either way, tomorrow brings a fresh challenge.
