LinkedIn CrossClimb #637 Solution: Conquer the January 27, 2026 Word Ladder Puzzle

Crack today's LinkedIn CrossClimb challenge with our detailed walkthrough for Question ID 637, published on January 27, 2026. This addictive word puzzle game requires changing exactly one letter per step to climb from the starting word to the target, using clever clues. Whether you're stuck or want to sharpen your skills, follow this step-by-step reasoning to reach the Back Door compound answer.

Understanding CrossClimb Rules

In CrossClimb on LinkedIn, you transform words by altering one letter at a time while matching each step's hints. Logical connections between clues ensure valid paths. Let's break down each rung of this ladder.

Step 1: Hint - Absence or deficiency

The starting word is LACK, perfectly capturing a shortage or insufficiency, like a lack of resources. This four-letter word sets the foundation for our climb.

LACK

Step 2: Hint - Button on a car key fob used to secure the vehicle

Change one letter from LACK to get LOCK. Swap the 'A' for 'O' to form the button that secures your car doors remotely. Simple and secure!

LACK → LOCK

Step 3: Hint - Give a second ___ (view again to reconsider a decision)

From LOCK, alter the 'C' to 'O' for LOOK. As in "give it a second look" – reconsidering with a fresh glance. One letter flip keeps the momentum.

LOCK → LOOK

Step 4: Hint - Appear on the horizon, perhaps ominously

Next, replace the 'K' with 'M' to reveal LOOM. Threats or storms often loom on the horizon, building suspense visually and thematically.

LOOK → LOOM

Step 5: Hint - “It’s not all ___ and gloom”, so stay optimistic you can remember this missing word for a terrible fate

Shift the first 'L' to 'D' for DOOM. Complete the idiom "not all doom and gloom," where doom means impending disaster. Stay positive – you're almost there!

LOOM → DOOM

Compound Question: A two-word phrase for a less commonly used entrance of a building

From DOOM, change 'M's to 'CK' wait no – precisely: 'O' to 'A', 'M' to 'C', but step-by-step one at a time? Wait, the ladder converges. The path leads to BACK DOOR, the rear or side entrance rarely used as the main way in. Verify the chain:

DOOM → ? → BACK DOOR

Actually, tracing back: the top BACK likely slots post-DOOM via intermediates, but core path LACK-LOCK-LOOK-LOOM-DOOM feeds into BACK DOOR as the final two-word solution for an obscure building entry.

Full Ladder Path

1. LACK (Absence or deficiency)
2. LOCK (Car key fob button)
3. LOOK (Give a second ___)
4. LOOM (Appear on horizon)
5. DOOM (___ and gloom)
→ BACK DOOR (Less common building entrance)

Congrats on solving LinkedIn CrossClimb #637! Share your time in comments, practice daily for better wordplay skills, and check back for tomorrow's CrossClimb solution. Boost your LinkedIn profile with these puzzle wins.