Today’s NYT Wordle puzzle (#1702) delivered a moderate challenge for Sunday solvers. The five-letter word featured an uncommon K and a tricky double L, a combination that may have slowed down even experienced players trying to protect their streak.

If you’re still working through the puzzle, scroll carefully — hints come first, followed by the final answer.

---

How Wordle Works (For New Players)

Wordle gives players six attempts to guess a five-letter word. After each guess:

• 🟩 Green: Correct letter, correct position
• 🟨 Yellow: Correct letter, wrong position
• ⬜ Gray: Letter 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 worldwide.

---

Today’s Wordle #1702: Letter Breakdown

• Vowels: 1
• Consonants: 4
• Repeated Letters: Yes (double L)
• Notable Letter: Contains an uncommon K

---

Progressive Hints for Wordle #1702

Try solving with as few clues as possible:

Level 1 – General Theme:
Think anatomy and protection.

Level 2 – Category:
It’s a noun and part of the human skeletal system.

Level 3 – Word Structure:
Starts with S and ends with L.

Level 4 – Letter Pattern:
The final two letters are LL.

Level 5 – Direct Clue:
It’s the bony structure that protects the brain.

---

Quick Clues at a Glance

• First Letter: S
• Last Letter: L
• Vowel Present: U
• Double Letters: Yes
• Rhymes With: DULL, NULL, HULL

---

Wordle #1702 Answer for February 15, 2026

⚠️ Final spoiler warning!

The answer is:

SKULL

---

Meaning and Word Facts

SKULL (noun): The bony framework of the head that encloses and protects the brain.

• Origin: From Middle English skulle, derived from Old Norse skalli, meaning bald head or skull.
• Word Family: skulls, skulled, skullcap
• Difficulty Level: 3/5 (Medium)

The uncommon K — found in relatively few Wordle solutions — combined with a repeated LL, created a subtle trap. Players who quickly identified the single vowel U likely had an easier path to solving.

---

Puzzle #1703 arrives at midnight in your local time zone. Whether you cracked today’s Wordle in three guesses or used all six, each game sharpens your strategy for the next challenge.