How to Solve LinkedIn CrossClimb #536: Master the Word Ladder from Glass to Clown

Welcome to the detailed solution walkthrough for LinkedIn CrossClimb #536, published on October 18, 2025. This popular word ladder puzzle challenges players to climb from a starting word to a target word, changing exactly one letter with each step, guided by precise clues.

In CrossClimb, every intermediate answer must share all but one letter from the previous word, making logical reasoning and letter-position awareness critical. Let’s break down each hint and its solution, revealing how the words connect up the ladder before solving the final compound question.

Step 1: Window Material - glass

The first clue asks for a common "window material." The answer is glass, a straightforward fit since glass is the typical clear panel in windows. This sets our starting 5-letter word.

Step 2: Lip Application - gloss

Next, the clue points to something applied on lips, often shiny or moisturizing: lip gloss. Note that "glass" and "gloss" differ by exactly one letter (the fourth letter changes from 'a' to 'o'), keeping the ladder rule intact.

Step 3: Follow a Dental Hygienist's Advice - floss

The third clue refers to following dental hygiene tips, specifically to clean between teeth. The answer is floss, a 5-letter word differing by only one letter from "gloss" (the first letter 'g' changes to 'f'). This smooth transition keeps the letter-position integrity critical in CrossClimb puzzles.

Step 4: Moves Like Water in a River - flows

Describing motion similar to water in a river, the answer is flows. This matches the clue perfectly. From "floss" to "flows," only the fourth letter changes ('s' to 'w'). Each step carefully respects the one-letter-change rule.

Step 5: Taken Flight - flown

For the clue about having "taken flight," the word flown fits aptly. It is a past participle of fly, indicating flight completion. From "flows," changing the last letter 's' to 'n' completes the penultimate step.

Final Compound Question: Two-Word Term for a School Jokester

The ladder then ends with the two words class and clown, forming the phrase "class clown," a common term for a jokester in school settings. To get here, both words maintain the ladder’s one-letter change pattern from the previous word "flown":

flown  - changes to - class
flown  - changes to - clown

In this puzzle format, the bottom and top answer represent the combined final solution.

Summary of CrossClimb #536 Solutions With One-Letter Changes

Tips for Solving LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles

• Keep track of letter positions: Each step changes exactly one letter, so comparing previous answers helps find candidates.
• Use clue context: Each hint guides the meaning, limiting possible words for that step.
• Start from easier clues: Sometimes the first or middle words are easier to solve, anchoring the ladder.
• Think ahead: Check if moving to a proposed next word will preserve the one-letter difference while fitting clues below.
• Practice word ladders and vocabulary: Familiarity with synonyms helps.

We hope this walkthrough for LinkedIn CrossClimb question_id 536 helps you sharpen your daily word puzzle skills. Check back for more daily LinkedIn game solutions combining logical reasoning, vocabulary, and puzzle strategy.