Wordle answer today: Feb. 18, 2026 — Puzzle #1,705 revealed

Wordle players facing the Feb. 18, 2026 puzzle (#1, 705) can use the clues below to steer toward a solution — or keep reading for a clear spoiler if you want the answer now. This update is timed to Feb. 18, 2026, ET. Spoiler warning: the solution is revealed in the second section.

Hints and strategy for cracking today’s grid

If you prefer to solve without a full reveal, start with these targeted hints. Today's word leans on a common consonant cluster at the start and a letter at the end that often functions as a sometimes-vowel. Pay attention to letter placement: getting the right consonant blend early will dramatically narrow the possibilities.

Key hint highlights:

• Starts with a consonant blend: the first two letters form a familiar pair, so guesses that test common blends will be useful.
• Contains one clear vowel and one sometimes-vowel: expect just a single traditional vowel (A, E, I, O, U) plus a letter that can act as a vowel in certain words.
• No repeated letters: each tile is unique, so once a letter is eliminated it’s gone for the round.
• Think of descriptive words used for delicate baked items: one definition ties directly to pastry texture.

For starter words today, favor entries that probe common consonant blends and the most frequent vowels. If your opening guess returns a blend in the correct place, follow with a word that locks down vowel placement and tests the terminal letter. In hard-mode play, every subsequent guess must use revealed letters, so plan each step to maximize information while keeping options open.

Full reveal: the Wordle answer today (spoiler)

If you’re ready for the answer, today’s Wordle solution for Feb. 18, 2026 (Puzzle #1, 705) is: FLAKY.

Why this works: FLAKY begins with the consonant blend 'FL', contains one standard vowel (A) and one sometimes-vowel (Y), and has no repeated letters. In common usage, 'flaky' describes pastries or baked goods that break apart easily, matching one of the gameplay hints many players recall. The word’s structure rewards guesses that isolate the initial blend and test for the terminal 'Y' early.

Quick play analysis: players who hit the 'FL' blend on move one typically finish in fewer guesses because the remaining letters can be triangulated rapidly. Conversely, if early guesses test vowels broadly without locating the consonant blend, the puzzle can feel trickier. Overall, this entry sits on the easier end of the daily curve for many solvers, provided you target blends and the sometimes-vowel correctly.

Want to avoid spoilers tomorrow? Try waiting until you’ve made at least one guess before checking daily help, or use starter words that expose blends and both common and sometimes-vowel letters. That approach keeps the challenge intact while still putting you in a strong strategic position.

Play safe and enjoy the puzzle — there’s always a fresh challenge waiting on the calendar.