LinkedIn CrossClimb #580 Solution – December 1, 2025: Step-by-Step Word Ladder Explained

Welcome to the detailed solution for LinkedIn CrossClimb #580, published on December 1, 2025. This daily word puzzle challenges players to climb from a starting word to a target word by changing exactly one letter at every step, guided by clues that reveal each intermediate word. Today’s puzzle expertly combines logical reasoning and vocabulary skills to reach the final compound answer.

How to Solve CrossClimb #580:

Each step requires a valid English word that fits the given hint and differs by only one letter from the previous answer. Let's break down each hint and how to arrive at the correct words.

1. Hint 1: "Talk boastfully about your accomplishments"
   This clue clearly points to the verb "BRAG"—a simple four-letter word synonymous with boasting. It serves as our starting point.
2. Hint 2: "Sports ___ (supportive workout tops)"
   From "BRAG," change one letter to get "BRAS", referring to sports bras; this fits perfectly and adheres to the one-letter difference rule.
3. Hint 3: "Male siblings (or slang for male friends), for short"
   Next, from "BRAS," change one letter to "BROS", a common slang for brothers or close male friends.
4. Hint 4: "___ and cons (what to consider before making a decision)"
   From "BROS," changing the first letter forms "PROS", meaning positive points to consider.
5. Hint 5: "Thing held by an actor in a play"
   Changing one letter in "PROS" gives "PROP", an object actors hold during performances.

Now, these steps form the word ladder: BRAG → BRAS → BROS → PROS → PROP. Each step correctly changes only one letter and matches the clues precisely.

Compound Question: The final challenge asks for two words often paired together that mean “move an item using a computer mouse” and “let go of something using a computer mouse.” The answer pair is:

• Top answer: DRAG
• Bottom answer: DROP

These words are well-known computer interaction terms, and cleverly tie together with the previous ladder by the concept of changing a single letter from PROP to DRAG and DROP.

Summary of Reasoning:

• The puzzle hinges on the one-letter change rule between words.
• Each clue’s answer is a common English word fitting the hint.
• Recognizing synonyms and slang (e.g., BROS for male siblings) aids quick solving.
• The final compound question synthesizes the theme of movement and release, relevant in digital interactions.

Solving LinkedIn’s CrossClimb puzzles daily builds vocabulary, sharpens pattern recognition, and offers satisfying logical challenges. Bookmark this solution for CrossClimb #580 and sharpen your word ladder skills for future days!