CrossClimb #668 Solution: Complete Guide from Doer to Stop

Master LinkedIn's daily CrossClimb puzzle #668 for February 27, 2026. This word ladder requires changing one letter per step to connect the top word DOOR to the bottom word STOP, using valid English words matching the clues. Follow this step-by-step walkthrough to solve it efficiently.

Understanding CrossClimb Rules

In CrossClimb, start with a top and bottom word, then fill intermediate rungs by solving clues. Each word differs by exactly one letter from the previous, and all must be real words. Tips: Read all clues first, work from both ends, and focus on common vowel swaps like O to E.

Compound Question: The Key to Top and Bottom Words

The final clue is: "A compound word for an item used after entering a closed room to keep the entryway open for others."

• This describes a doorstop or door stop—a wedge holding the door ajar.
• Top word: DOOR (first part of the compound).
• Bottom word: STOP (second part, as in doorstop).

Now build the ladder: DOOR → DOER → DEER → DEEP → SEEP → STEP → STOP.

Step-by-Step Clue Solutions

Hint 1: A person who takes action → DOER

Change the last letter of DOOR (R to E): DOOR becomes DOOER. A doer is someone who acts decisively, fitting perfectly.

Hint 2: Type of animal known for growing antlers → DEER

Swap the second letter (O to E): DOER becomes DEER. Deer (like elk or moose relatives) famously grow antlers annually.

Hint 3: Opposite of shallow → DEEP

Change the last letter (R to P): DEER becomes DEEP. Deep directly opposes shallow in depth.

Hint 4: Leak out slowly → SEEP

Swap the first letter (D to S): DEEP becomes SEEP. To seep means liquid leaks gradually, like through cracks.

Hint 5: One part of a list of instructions → STEP

Change the last letter (P to T): SEEP becomes SEET? Wait, SEEP to STEP—actually, third letter E to T? No: SEEP is S-E-E-P to S-T-E-P (second E to T). Yes, one change: second letter E→T. A step is a single instruction in a recipe or guide.

Final Step to Bottom: STOP

Change the second letter (T to O? STEP is S-T-E-P to S-T-O-P (third E to O). Yes: STEP to STOP—third letter E→O. Stop completes the doorstop compound.

Full Ladder Visualization

Tips for Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start with the compound clue to anchor top/bottom words.
• List possible one-letter changes from known words.
• Verify each fits the clue and rule—no proper nouns or non-words.
• Practice daily; puzzles reset at midnight PT.

Apply this to #668 and climb to the top of LinkedIn leaderboards. Check tomorrow's CrossClimb for more word ladder challenges!