How to Solve LinkedIn CrossClimb #562 - November 13, 2025

LinkedIn CrossClimb #562 is a challenging word ladder puzzle that tests your ability to connect five intermediate words while changing only one letter at a time. Published on November 13, 2025, this puzzle guides you from a starting word to a final compound word answer. Let's break down the solution step by step.

Understanding the CrossClimb Puzzle Format

CrossClimb puzzles work by having you solve five clues to find intermediate words, arrange them in a ladder where each word differs by exactly one letter from the previous one, and then use those words as context to solve two final compound words. The key is recognizing how each word transitions to the next and understanding the thematic connection.

Solving Each Step: The Word Ladder

Step 1: Animal Name That's an Acronym - GOAT

The first clue refers to an animal name that doubles as an acronym for top athletes like Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, and Muhammad Ali. The answer is GOAT, which stands for "Greatest of All Time." This five-letter word serves as your starting point on the ladder.

Step 2: Sailing Vessel - BOAT

From GOAT, we need to find a sailing vessel. The answer is BOAT. Notice that GOAT → BOAT changes only the first letter (G becomes B). This is your first successful one-letter transition, demonstrating the core mechanic of the puzzle.

Step 3: Lightning Flash or Usain Bolt - BOLT

The next clue describes either a flash of lightning or references world record sprinter Usain Bolt. The answer is BOLT. The transition from BOAT → BOLT changes only the middle letter (A becomes L), maintaining the five-letter structure and moving up your ladder.

Step 4: Young Male Horse or Indianapolis Football Athlete - COLT

This clue has a double meaning: a young male horse or an athlete from the Indianapolis Colts NFL team. The answer is COLT. The transition from BOLT → COLT changes the first letter (B becomes C), continuing your word ladder climb.

Step 5: Price to Pay - COST

The final intermediate clue asks for a word meaning "price to pay." The answer is COST. From COLT → COST, we change the middle letter (L becomes S), completing your five-word ladder sequence.

The Complete Word Ladder Sequence

Your ladder now reads: GOAT → BOAT → BOLT → COLT → COST

Each transition changes exactly one letter:

• GOAT to BOAT: G → B
• BOAT to BOLT: A → L
• BOLT to COLT: B → C
• COLT to COST: L → S

The Compound Word Challenge

Now comes the final test. The compound question asks for something found at the end of a football field, applicable to either American football or soccer (global version). The puzzle requires two words that relate to form a compound word.

Top Word: GOAL

In both American football and soccer, a GOAL is the objective—the area where you score points. This word shares the same letters as your first ladder word (GOAT) with one letter changed (T becomes L).

Bottom Word: POST

The other word that forms the compound is POST. In football terminology, "goal post" refers to the uprights at the end of the field. This word shares letters with your final ladder word (COST) with one letter changed (C becomes P).

The Complete Answer: GOALPOST

The compound word is GOALPOST (or GOAL POST)—the structure at the end of a football field where players attempt to score. Whether in American football (kicking between the uprights) or soccer/football (kicking into the goal), the goalpost is essential to the game.

Key Strategies for Solving CrossClimb Puzzles

Identify Obvious Answers First: Start with clues that have clear, unambiguous answers. GOAT and BOAT are relatively straightforward, giving you anchors for your ladder.

Check Letter Patterns: Once you have a few words, look for one-letter differences that connect them. The five-letter structure helps narrow possibilities.

Think About Compound Words: The final clue often hints at compound words or related terms. In this case, "goalpost" is a common football term that combines both final words.

Work Both Directions: Sometimes solving from the bottom (COST → POST) helps verify your answer and ensures the letter changes work correctly.

Why This Puzzle Works

CrossClimb #562 successfully combines sports references with word mechanics. From the acronym GOAT through sailing, weather, animals, and economics, each clue feels natural while maintaining strict one-letter-change rules. The final compound word "goalpost" elegantly ties sports terminology with the puzzle's structure.

By understanding how each word connects and recognizing the thematic elements, you've successfully solved LinkedIn CrossClimb #562. Practice these strategies on daily puzzles to improve your word ladder skills!