Skip to main content

Today’s Wordle answer changed due to Roe v. Wade

There are some days when Wordle players get different answers depending on the browser they’re using to play the game. Today happens to be one of those days, but for a vastly different reason. The New York Times revised today’s Wordle answer because of its unintentional connection to the Supreme Court’s impending ruling on Roe v. Wade.

The original answer to Wordle 324 was supposed to be “fetus.” Wordle founder Josh Wardle scheduled that solution to show up today over a year ago, long before The New York Times bought the game at the height of its popularity in January. Everdeen Mason, editorial director for New York Times Games, said in a statement that it changed the answer to something entirely different because of its proximity to the Supreme Court’s draft opinion that leaked last week and contained a proposal to overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade abortion ruling, which sent shock waves across the country.

“At New York Times Games, we take our role seriously as a place to entertain and escape, and we want Wordle to remain distinct from the news,” Mason said. “But because of the current Wordle technology, it can be difficult to change words that have already been loaded into the game. When we discovered last week that this particular word would be featured today, we switched it for as many solvers as possible.”

Some users may still get “fetus” as an answer if they have not refreshed their browser since the update. Others who did will see a completely different answer. Mason said that New York Times Games will be updating Wordle to make it consistent so that all players get the same answer every day.

Some game studios have voiced their opposition to the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, including Bungie. The Destiny maker said in its blog post last Wednesday that it will support the reproductive liberties of its employees, which ignited a furor among fans on social media who would rather see it stick to making games instead of getting involved with politics. It said that “this decision, should it become final, will have far-reaching consequences that will be felt for generations across socio-economic lines.”

Editors' Recommendations

Cristina Alexander
Cristina Alexander has been writing since 2014, from opining about pop culture on her personal blog in college to reporting…
‘Wordle’ today, October 26: Answer, hints, and help for word of the day (#494)
Someone playing Wordle on an iphone

Trying to solve Wordle #494 for October 26, 2022, and need some help? Don't worry -- we've got you covered.

It’s Wednesday, Wordle fans. We’re halfway through the work week and onto a brand new Wordle. How’s that win streak looking? Whatever your record looks like, we’re positive you’ve got today’s Wordle in the bag.

Read more
‘Wordle’ today, October 25: Answer, hints, and help for word of the day (#493)
Someone playing Wordle on a smartphone.

Trying to solve Wordle #493 for October 25, 2022, and need some help? Don't worry -- we've got you covered.

Hey there, Wordlers! It’s Tuesday again — another day, another Wordle. Today’s the perfect day to add a quick solve to your Wordle win streak (or start again if you missed Monday’s answer). Do you have what it takes to get the win today?

Read more
‘Wordle’ today, October 24: Answer, hints, and help for word of the day (#492)
A person plays 'Wordle' on an iPhone.

Trying to solve Wordle #492 for October 24, 2022, and need some help? Don't worry -- we've got you covered.

Happy Monday, everyone! Let’s kick off the week with an easy Wordle win to feed that win streak. Let’s try to get this one in under three guesses to really stick it to your Wordle friends and family.

Read more