LinkedIn CrossClimb #537 October 19, 2025 Daily Puzzle Solution - How to Solve the Word Ladder

How to Solve LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzle #537 – October 19, 2025

LinkedIn CrossClimb is a daily word ladder puzzle where players climb from a starting word to a target word, changing exactly one letter at each step. Today's puzzle, CrossClimb #537 (published October 19, 2025), challenges you to connect five hints, ensuring each answer differs by only one letter from the previous one. The final compound question combines two synonyms for "adhere." Let's break down each hint and the reasoning behind every step.

LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzle Mechanics

In CrossClimb, all words must be the same length, and each step changes exactly one letter from the previous word. The fun lies in spotting wordplay, making logical connections, and building a vertical chain of answers that all link together[2].

Step-by-Step Solution for CrossClimb #537

Starting Point: The First Hint

Hint 1: Broken arm holder
Answer: sling
A sling is a device used to support a broken arm, making this the logical starting word.

Second Step: Bee's Defense

Hint 2: Bee's defense
Answer: sting
Changing one letter in "sling" (the 'l' to a 't') gives us "sting"—a bee's primary means of defense.

Third Step: Smell Really Bad

Hint 3: Smell really bad
Answer: stink
Replace the 'g' in "sting" with a 'k', and you get "stink", a word meaning to smell unpleasant.

Fourth Step: Move Furtively

Hint 4: Move furtively
Answer: slink
By changing the 't' in "stink" back to an 'l', we arrive at "slink", which means to move stealthily.

Fifth Step: Smooth-talking

Hint 5: Smooth-talking
Answer: slick
Swapping the 'n' in "slink" for a 'c' gives us "slick", a term often used to describe someone who is smooth-talking.

The Compound Question

The final step asks for two words that are synonyms for "adhere", and which also fit the one-letter-change rule from the previous word.

Top Answer

Answer: cling
Changing the 's' in "slick" to a 'c' yields "click", but that doesn't mean "adhere". However, "cling" (by changing 'i' to 'l' in "click") is a synonym for adhere, but doesn't follow directly from "slick". Here, the correct logical next word is actually "stick", which means to adhere and can be formed by changing the 'l' in "slick" to a 't'.

Bottom Answer

Answer: stick
"Stick" is a direct synonym for "adhere" and fits the one-letter-change rule from "slick" (change 'l' to 't').

Summary Table

Tips for Solving CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start with the most straightforward clues to establish a base word.
• Check word length—all answers must be the same length.
• Focus on one-letter changes—each step alters only one letter from the previous word.
• Use solved words to inform adjacent steps, as they share most letters.
• Don't get stuck—if one clue is tricky, try another and return later[1].

Conclusion

LinkedIn CrossClimb #537 demonstrates how logical reasoning, attention to wordplay, and careful one-letter changes can lead you from "sling" to "stick", solving each clue and the final compound question. For more daily solutions and puzzle tips, check back regularly!

Keywords: LinkedIn CrossClimb, CrossClimb 537, October 19 2025, word ladder, daily puzzle, puzzle solution, LinkedIn Games, word game, puzzle strategy