LinkedIn CrossClimb #598 Answer & Solution: December 19, 2025

Master today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle #598 with our complete step-by-step guide. CrossClimb challenges you to guess words from clues, then rearrange them into a ladder where each step changes exactly one letter. Finish with the compound clue for top and bottom words. Keywords: LinkedIn Games CrossClimb answer today, #598 solution December 19 2025.

How CrossClimb Works (Quick Rules Recap)

In LinkedIn CrossClimb, solve clues for 5-letter words, reorder rows to form a chain (one letter differs per step), then unlock the compound question for the top (STATE) and bottom (FLAGS) answers. All words must be valid and connect seamlessly. Stuck? Start with easy clues and test one-letter swaps.

Today's Clues & Step-by-Step Reasoning

Here are the five clues for CrossClimb #598. We'll reveal each answer, explain the logic, and build the ladder progressively.

Hint 1: Clean ___ (fresh start)

This idiom means wiping the record clean for a new beginning. The word is SLATE (as in "clean slate").[Answer: SLATE]

Hint 2: Thing you eat off of

A common dinner item for serving food. The word is PLATE. Notice it swaps the first letter S→P from SLATE, differing by exactly one letter.[Answer: PLATE]

Hint 3: Vehicle manufactured by Airbus

Airbus builds commercial aircraft. The word is PLANE. From PLATE, change the last letter T→N (one-letter swap).[Answer: PLANE]

Hint 4: Hatches a scheme

Means to devise or plot something crafty. The word is PLANS. From PLANE, swap the last letter E→S.[Answer: PLANS]

Hint 5: Mexican custards

A creamy dessert popular in Mexican cuisine, often caramel-topped. The word is FLANS. From PLANS, change the first letter P→F.[Answer: FLANS]

Full Word Ladder Sequence

Once guessed, rearrange into this perfect chain. Each step changes one letter only:

SLATE
PLATE
PLANE
PLANS
FLANS

• SLATE → PLATE (S→P)
• PLATE → PLANE (T→N)
• PLANE → PLANS (E→S)
• PLANS → FLANS (P→F)

Compound Question: A two-word phrase for things on poles in capitals, particularly in the USA

Unlocked after the ladder! Refers to STATE FLAGS – flags of U.S. states, flown on poles in capital cities. Place STATE at the top and FLAGS at the bottom:

STATE
SLATE
PLATE
PLANE
PLANS
FLANS
FLAGS

Verify: STATE→SLATE (T→L), FLANS→FLAGS (N→G, rearrange? No—wait, FLANS to FLAGS is F-L-A-N-S to F-L-A-G-S (N→G, one letter!). Perfect chain complete!

Solving Tips for Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start simple: Obvious clues like "thing you eat off of" = PLATE anchor the ladder.
• One-letter focus: From a word, list swaps (e.g., PLATE: change P=SLATE/CLATE; T=PLANE).
• Test chains: Use common words; try vowels first.
• Compound clue: Often idiomatic, like STATE FLAGS evoking government symbols.
• Bookmark for daily LinkedIn CrossClimb answers: Pinpoint, Tango, Queens too!

Congrats on solving LinkedIn CrossClimb #598! Share your streak in comments. Check back tomorrow for #599 solution. #LinkedInGames #CrossClimbAnswer #WordLadder