Word puzzle fans are once again rallying around The New York Times’ beloved daily game as Sunday’s Wordle #1,604 tests players with a clever five-letter conundrum. Even experienced solvers have found today’s puzzle to be a real brain teaser, sparking online discussions and debates over its elusive solution.
The Magic of Wordle: Why It Captivates Millions
Since its debut by software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021, Wordle has evolved into one of the most engaging word games on the planet. Its deceptively simple premise — guessing a five-letter word within six tries — has inspired a worldwide community of word lovers. What began as a small passion project quickly became a viral sensation, with players proudly sharing their emoji-filled grids across social media.
When The New York Times acquired the game in early 2022, it became a cornerstone of the publication’s digital entertainment lineup. Reports show that Wordle was played more than 5.3 billion times in 2024, a staggering number that underscores its enduring appeal. Building on this success, The Times has expanded its puzzle portfolio to include fan favorites such as Connections, Strands, and Spelling Bee, while preserving the clean, minimalist aesthetic that defines Wordle.
How to Play Wordle: A Simple Yet Addictive Game
The gameplay is straightforward but strategic. Players begin by entering a five-letter word, receiving instant feedback through a color-coded system:
- Green indicates the letter is correct and perfectly placed.
- Yellow shows the letter exists but is in the wrong position.
- Gray marks letters that aren’t part of the mystery word.
With only six chances, every guess matters — and double letters often add an unexpected twist that trips up even seasoned players. The puzzle refreshes each night at midnight local time, ensuring a synchronized global challenge. Wordle can be played freely on The New York Times website, mobile app, and now even through platforms like Meta Quest and Discord.
Wordle Hints for Sunday, November 9 (Puzzle #1,604)
Today’s challenge has puzzled many, thanks to its unique composition and repeating letters. If you’re struggling, here are a few clues to guide you:
- Hint 1: The word refers to a mental or emotional “state” involving confusion or detachment.
- Hint 2: It includes a pair of repeated letters.
- Hint 3: The first letter is F.
Still stumped? Scroll carefully — the answer lies below!
Wordle Answer for November 9, 2025: Revealed
The solution to today’s Wordle #1,604 is FUGUE.
This fascinating word carries both psychological and musical meanings. In psychology, a fugue state describes a temporary condition involving memory loss or disconnection from identity. In music, a fugue represents a sophisticated composition style where a theme is introduced and developed through interwoven melodies.
Its blend of artistry and psychology made today’s Wordle both challenging and intellectually satisfying for word enthusiasts everywhere.
Recent Wordle Answers You Might Have Missed
If you’ve fallen behind, here’s a quick recap of recent solutions leading up to today’s tricky puzzle:
- Saturday, Nov 8: ARISE
- Friday, Nov 7: PERIL
- Thursday, Nov 6: GUISE
- Wednesday, Nov 5: SHORT
- Tuesday, Nov 4: VENUE
Subscribers of The New York Times Games can access the full archive of over 1,600 past puzzles, offering endless opportunities to replay, learn, and improve strategic guessing techniques.
How to Play More Wordle — Even After You’ve Solved It
Although Wordle is meant to be a once-a-day challenge, subscribers enjoy extra perks through the NYT Games package. They can revisit past puzzles, track progress through the Wordle archive, and use the Wordle Bot — an analytical feature that reviews each move, helping players refine strategies and maintain impressive streaks.
This blend of fun, logic, and competition continues to make Wordle a daily ritual for millions around the world.
