LinkedIn CrossClimb #590 Solution: Master the Word Ladder from STORE to SOARS and BOARS

Welcome to the detailed walkthrough for LinkedIn CrossClimb #590, the engaging daily word ladder puzzle published on December 11, 2025. This puzzle challenges solvers to transform the starting word into new words, each differing by exactly one letter, guided by given clues. The final step is to combine the top and bottom answers into a compound word that fits a thematic clue.

Understanding the Puzzle Structure

CrossClimb’s core rule is that each intermediate word must differ by exactly one letter from the previous one. Each clue corresponds to a target word in the ladder, and the puzzle ends with a compound question whose answer combines the top and bottom words unlocked after solving the ladder.

Step-by-Step Solution for Each Clue

1. Hint 1: Place that sells items

   The answer is STORE. This is a perfect fit because it is a common and straightforward word meeting the clue and fitting the letter count required.

2. Hint 2: Look at without blinking

   One letter changes from STORE to form STARE. Both words share letters in the same positions except for the 'O' changing to an 'A'. "Stare" perfectly aligns with the clue meaning to look fixedly without blinking.

3. Hint 3: Lights in the night sky

   Changing one letter from STARE leads to STARS. Specifically, the 'E' changes to 'S'. Stars are indeed the lights seen at night.

4. Hint 4: Flies like an eagle

   Moving from STARS to SOARS involves changing the 'T' to 'O'. "Soars" means to fly or rise high in the air, matching the clue about eagle-like flying.

5. Hint 5: Wild pigs with tusks

   Changing SOARS into BOARS by switching the 'S' to 'B' fits the clue precisely. Boars are wild pigs known for their distinctive tusks.

The Compound Question and Final Answer

After completing the ladder with intermediate words STORE → STARE → STARS → SOARS → BOARS, the puzzle unlocks a compound question:

• Compound hint: A series of drawings that outline a film's plot.
• Top answer: STORY
• Bottom answer: BOARD

The compound solution is STORYBOARD, a well-known term in filmmaking describing sequential drawings used to visualize scenes.

Reasoning Highlights and Tips for Solving CrossClimb

• One-letter changes: Carefully focus on changing only one letter at a time while ensuring all intermediate words are valid.
• Use common words: The puzzle favors standard vocabulary, so start with the most straightforward synonyms or words fitting clues.
• Letter positions matter: Keep all letters in their original positions except the one you change to maintain the ladder’s validity.
• Compound clues: Use the words you find in the ladder to solve the final compound question, which ties the entire puzzle together.

Final Notes

This CrossClimb #590 solution demonstrates how logical reasoning, attention to detail, and methodical word transformations can conquer LinkedIn’s daily word ladder puzzles. Practice these steps regularly to improve speed and accuracy!

Keep climbing and solving!