Wordle Hints for today’s NYT puzzle (#1695) — progressive clues, best starter words, and when to stop before spoilers

Sunday’s puzzle (#1695), dated February 8, 2026 (ET), is a word that shows up a lot in work, tech, and everyday instructions. It’s not obscure, but it can feel slippery because several common five-letter options sit nearby once you lock in the first vowel.

How to use these hints without ruining it

The safest way to keep your streak (and your fun) is to take clues one step at a time. Read the first couple of clues, make one guess, then come back only if you still need help. The further down you go, the more the answer becomes inevitable.

Progressive clues for puzzle #1695

Use the list below as a “stoplight.” If you want to avoid spoilers, stop after item 6.

1. Starter word (balanced letters): Try a strong opener like SLATE or CRANE to sample common consonants plus a key vowel.

2. Starter word (today-specific vibe): If you prefer a hintier opening without giving it away, words like ELITE or DIMES push you toward the right vowel/consonant neighborhood.

3. Clue 1 (meaning, broad): This word often describes something being placed into something else, rather than standing alone.

4. Clue 2 (usage): It’s common in technical, instructional, and media contexts (think: content inside a page, object inside material, idea inside a system).

5. Clue 3 (grammar): It’s a verb.

6. Clue 4 (shape): The answer contains two E’s.

7. Clue 5 (letters): It includes B and D.

8. SPOILER (answer): EMBED

Best starter words and follow-ups

If your goal is information density (not vibes), you want one first guess that hits common letters, then a second guess that tests what your first guess missed—without repeating letters unless you learned something important.

A simple, reliable two-guess framework:

• Guess 1: A “coverage” word (examples above) to probe frequent letters.

• Guess 2: A complementary word that introduces new consonants and at least one different vowel (so you don’t over-commit early).

If you learn early that E is present, resist the urge to spam E-heavy guesses immediately. Instead, confirm your consonants first—then return to placement once you’ve narrowed the field.

When to stop before spoilers

If you want the “sweet spot” where the puzzle still feels like yours:

• Stop after you learn it’s a verb and used in technical contexts (items 3–5).

• If you’re truly stuck, peek at the double-letter clue (item 6) and make one more guess.

• Only read items 7–8 if you’re protecting a streak and you’ve run out of viable options.

If you saw the answer, here’s the quick meaning

EMBED means to fix something firmly within a surrounding mass, or to incorporate something as an essential part of a larger whole (for example: embedding media, embedding an idea, embedding a component).

Sources consulted: TechRadar; Tom’s Guide; Game Rant; TechWiser