We all sometimes need a little bit of help to get us through the daily Wordle challenge.
In fact, even Josh Wardle, who created the game, told Newsweek that he needs quite a few attempts before solving each brainteaser.
"[My partner] and I play it on the couch together each morning. She will consistently get it in three goes, which is way, way better than I can ever hope to achieve. I normally need at least four or five attempts," the New York-based software engineer told Newsweek in January 2022.
Welsh-born Wardle opened up Wordle to the public in October 2021, after putting the finishing touches to it during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He had first invented the game in 2013 and refined it for his partner who loves doing crosswords.
Following its debut, the brainteaser exploded from 90 users on November 1, 2021, to 300,000 on January 2, 2022, according to figures by Statista. The New York Times purchased the game for an undisclosed seven-figure fee soon after.
Much of Wordle's appeal is its simplicity, players are given six tries to guess a five-letter word. Gray tiles behind each letter indicate that they're not in the word at all; yellow means the letter features but is in the wrong spot while green lets players know the letter is in the word and in the correct place.
Newsweek has given some hints below for today's Wordle puzzle. The answer will be revealed at the end of this article, so scroll down with caution!
'Wordle' #942, Clues for Wednesday, January 17
Hint #1: Today's answer contains two vowels.
Hint #2: "C" is the first letter of today's word.
Hint #3: There are no repeated letters.
Hint #4: Today's answer is a verb or noun.
Hint #5: Synonyms of the today's word include palace or flirt.
'Wordle' #942 Answer for Wednesday, January 17
Today's Wordle answer is "Court."
The word's definition as a noun has many meanings including in relation to judicial business or the residence of a sovereign or similar dignitary, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary.
As a verb, court means to gain or achieve. It can also mean to tempt, allure or seek the affections of another person.
Wordle updates every day at midnight, at which point the next puzzle becomes available. Newsweek will be back with another round of hints and tips for each new game.
Players who would like something to keep themselves busy while they wait can have a go at similar word-based puzzles such as Typochondria and Spellspire.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more
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