LinkedIn CrossClimb #552 Solution - November 3, 2025: Step-by-Step Word Ladder Puzzle Guide

LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzle #552 published on November 3, 2025 challenges players to solve a word ladder by changing exactly one letter per step. The puzzle involves interpreting five clues, each leading to a four- or five-letter word that must link to the next by a one-letter difference, culminating in a compound word answer. This blog post breaks down the puzzle hints, reasoning, and answers to help you master the game.

Understanding the CrossClimb Puzzle Mechanics

CrossClimb by LinkedIn is a daily word ladder puzzle where each step changes only one letter from the previous word. Starting with the initial clue word, players use the clues to find subsequent words while strictly adhering to the one-letter change rule. Finally, two words combine to answer a compound question related to the area pedestrians use alongside streets.

Step-by-Step Solution to CrossClimb #552

Hint 1: "Ocean motion affected by the moon"

Answer: tide
Tides result from the moon's gravitational pull affecting the ocean's water level. "Tide" is a four-letter word fitting perfectly this clue and sets the foundation for the ladder.

Hint 2: "Scrabble piece with a letter on it"

Answer: tile
A Scrabble game uses lettered tiles. "Tile" differs from "tide" by changing the last letter 'd' to 'l', satisfying the one-letter change rule.

Hint 3: "Fairy ___ (story that begins 'Once upon a time ...')"

Answer: tale
"Tale" is synonymous with story, especially fairy tales. Transitioning from "tile" to "tale" involves changing the third letter 'i' to 'a'.

Hint 4: "Like most professional basketball players"

Answer: tall
Professional basketball players are typically "tall." Moving from "tale" to "tall" switches the third letter 'e' to 'l'.

Hint 5: "Surface on which a mural is painted"

Answer: wall
Murals are painted on walls. Changing one letter from "tall" to "wall" replaces the first letter 't' with 'w'.

Compound Question: "Compound word for the area pedestrians use that runs parallel to the street."

The compound answer here is formed by two words, each differing by one letter from the adjacent word in the ladder:

"Sidewalk" is the pedestrian path beside a street, perfectly matching the compound question clue. "Side" and "walk" each change one letter from adjacent words in the ladder to maintain the game's rules.

Recap of the Word Ladder

tide
  |
 tile
  |
 tale
  |
 tall
  |
 wall
  |
side
  |
walk

Tips for Solving LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start with the clearest clues: Words like "tide" and "tile" are quite obvious, giving anchor points.
• Check letter positions: Each transition changes only one letter, so note which letters remain steady to predict neighbors.
• Use compound clues to confirm final answers: The last compound word often relates logically to the previous words.
• Leverage the game's features: Use hints or reveal letters sparingly if stuck.

By following this logical progression and confirming one-letter changes, you can solve challenging LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzles efficiently. Enjoy today's puzzle and keep climbing!

Keywords: LinkedIn CrossClimb, word ladder puzzle, November 3 2025, puzzle #552, logical reasoning, one letter change, compound word, side walk, tide tile tale tall wall.