LinkedIn CrossClimb #656 Solution: Climb from Slack to Alive (February 15, 2026)

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb #656 with our detailed walkthrough. Published on February 15, 2026, this word ladder puzzle challenges you to transform words by changing one letter at a time while matching clever clues. Keywords: CrossClimb answer, LinkedIn Games, word ladder solution, daily puzzle guide.

How CrossClimb Works: Quick Refresher

In LinkedIn CrossClimb, start with the given top word and climb to the bottom by filling middle rungs. Each step swaps exactly one letter, and clues guide you. Solve the ladder to reveal the compound question for top and bottom words. Pro tip: Tackle easy clues first, then chain one-letter changes.

Step-by-Step Solution for CrossClimb #656

Today's ladder is a smooth 5-letter climb. Here's the full sequence with clue reasoning:

Hint 1: Not taut; loose

The word for something relaxed or not tight is SLACK. It fits perfectly as the starting point – think baggy pants or downtime.

Hint 2: Smooth and glossy, like some styled hair

Change one letter from SLACK: Swap the A for I to get SLICK. This describes shiny, well-groomed hair or a slippery surface.

SLACK → SLICK (A → I)

Hint 3: Possible pizzeria order when you do not want a whole pie

From SLICK, alter the K to E for SLICE. Ideal for sharing pizza without committing to a full pie!

SLICK → SLICE (K → E)

Hint 4: Fictional character known for her adventures in Wonderland

Shift the S to A in SLICE to reveal ALICE. Lewis Carroll's curious girl tumbling down the rabbit hole.

SLICE → ALICE (S → A)

Hint 5: ___ and kicking (full of energy)

Finally, tweak the C to V in ALICE for ALIVE. As in "alive and kicking," bursting with vitality.

ALICE → ALIVE (C → V)

Full Ladder Sequence

SLACK
SLICK
SLICE
ALICE
ALIVE

Compound Question Solution: A two-word name for a dark (when ripe) food item that grows on trees and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Completing the middle ladder unlocks the final clue. The top word is BLACK and bottom is OLIVE – together, BLACK OLIVE! These tree-grown gems turn deep purple-black when ripe and star in Greek salads, tapenades, and Italian dishes.

Tips to Crush Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Spot the pattern early: All words share 5 letters here – use length to filter guesses.
• Chain changes: Once you nail SLACK to SLICK, the pizza slice is obvious.
• Compound payoff: Middles always tease the top/bottom duo.
• Bookmark for daily LinkedIn CrossClimb answers – from Queens to Pinpoint, we've got you covered.

Share your solve time in comments! What's your streak on LinkedIn Games CrossClimb? Solve #656 now and climb to the top.