LinkedIn CrossClimb #583 Answer - December 4, 2025

Game: LinkedIn CrossClimb | Puzzle #: 583 | Date: December 4, 2025

Understanding the Puzzle

LinkedIn CrossClimb is a unique word puzzle game that challenges players to climb from a starting word to a target word by changing exactly one letter at a time. Each intermediate step must represent a valid English word that fits the given clue. Today's puzzle takes you on a journey from "HONEY" to "MOONS," passing through five carefully crafted intermediate words.

The Complete Solution Breakdown

Step 1: Hones - Sharpens, as skills at a job

We start with HONES, which means to sharpen or refine skills through practice and repetition. Think of honing your abilities at work—this is where your journey begins. This word forms the foundation of today's word ladder and connects directly to our compound question about honeymoon trips.

Step 2: Holes - A golf course has 18 of them

From HONES, we change the first letter H to a G, giving us HOLES. A standard golf course contains 18 holes where players aim to complete the course. This clue is straightforward and helps establish the middle section of your word ladder puzzle.

Step 3: Holds - No-___-barred

The third step transforms HOLES into HOLDS by changing the E to a D. The phrase "no-holds-barred" describes something done without restrictions or limitations. This is a common expression used to indicate unrestricted competition or action, making it an excellent middle clue for the puzzle.

Step 4: Hoods - Parts of raincoats that go over the head

Moving forward, we change the L to an O, creating HOODS. Hoods are the protective coverings on raincoats and jackets that shield your head from rain and weather. This word maintains the letter structure while introducing a new, easily recognizable term.

Step 5: Moods - States of mind that can be expressed with emoji

The final intermediate word shifts from HOODS to MOODS by changing the H to an M. Moods represent emotional states of mind that we often express through emojis in digital communication. This brings us to the final answer of the puzzle.

The Compound Answer: Honeymoon

The compound question asks: "Compound word for trips taken by newlyweds immediately following weddings."

The answer is HONEYMOON—which perfectly combines your starting word HONEY and your ending word MOONS. Honeymoons are romantic vacations that newlyweds take after getting married, making this an elegant and thematic conclusion to the puzzle.

Strategy Tips for LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles

Focus on One-Letter Changes: Always remember that each step requires changing exactly one letter. This constraint helps you verify your answers are correct.

Use Context Clues: The clues provided are specific enough to guide you toward the correct word. Pay attention to details in each description.

Start with Obvious Words: Begin by solving the clues that seem most straightforward, then use those letters to work backward and forward through the puzzle.

Consider Common Words: Most CrossClimb puzzles use frequently used English words. If a word seems obscure, reconsider your letter changes.

Why This Puzzle Works

This particular LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle is elegantly designed because each word flows naturally from one to the next, and the compound question perfectly encapsulates the theme. The connection between HONEY and MOONS creating HONEYMOON is a satisfying payoff that rewards solvers for completing the word ladder correctly.

Practicing these puzzles regularly improves your vocabulary recognition, lateral thinking skills, and ability to make logical connections between words—all valuable cognitive exercises.

Practice More LinkedIn Puzzles

If you enjoyed solving CrossClimb #583, explore other LinkedIn puzzle games like Queens, Tango, Pinpoint, and Mini Sudoku to further challenge your problem-solving abilities. Daily puzzle solving is an excellent way to keep your mind sharp and engaged.