New England States Top the Charts for Wordle Cheating in Latest Analysis
Fresh data from online learning platform Preply has uncovered a surprising geographical pattern in Wordle gameplay habits across the United States. The study, which analysed Google search trends, indicates that residents of New England are significantly more likely to seek external assistance while tackling the popular daily word puzzle.
Maine Takes the Crown for Most Hint Searches
According to the comprehensive 2025 research, Maine recorded the highest number of searches for 'Wordle hint' per 100,000 people, securing its position as the state with the most prevalent cheating behaviour. This finding adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting regional tendencies in how Americans approach the New York Times-owned game.
The ranking of states most inclined to seek hints continues with New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut following closely behind Maine. This regional clustering in New England appears consistent with previous analyses, including a 2022 study that similarly identified New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont as areas where players most frequently abandoned attempts without completion.
Southern States Display Greater Puzzle Independence
In striking contrast to their northeastern counterparts, southern states demonstrate markedly different behaviour. The Preply survey reveals that players in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas are the least likely to search for external clues, preferring to solve the word puzzles through their own deductive efforts.
This geographical divide in gameplay approach presents an intriguing pattern that warrants further investigation into regional cultural attitudes toward problem-solving and competition.
'INBOX' Emerges as 2025's Most Challenging Wordle
Beyond geographical patterns, the study also identified which specific words proved most troublesome for players throughout 2025. The word 'INBOX' triggered the highest volume of hint searches across the United States, claiming the top position for difficulty.
Following 'INBOX' in the ranking of challenging words were 'EDIFY' and 'KEFIR' in second and third places respectively, with 'MYRRH' and 'KNELL' completing the top five most searched-for solutions.
Simplicity Triumphs with 'CHAIR' and 'BLUNT'
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the research identified 'CHAIR' and 'BLUNT' as the easiest Wordle words of 2025, generating the fewest hint searches among players. This contrast between challenging and straightforward words provides valuable insights into what makes certain puzzles more difficult than others.
Expert Analysis of Word Difficulty Patterns
Yolanda Del Peso Ramos, a spokesperson for Preply, offered expert commentary on the findings. 'What we see in this data is that the hardest puzzles aren't always the most obscure words, but the ones that combine familiar letters in unfamiliar ways,' Ramos explained. 'Answers like "inbox", "edify", or "kefir" force you to think beyond everyday vocabulary and pay attention to patterns, prefixes, and endings.'
Ramos further elaborated on the transferable skills developed through regular Wordle practice. 'Whether you are learning a new language or just trying to keep your streak alive, the skills are very similar. Noticing patterns, staying curious about words you don't know, and being willing to make an educated guess.'
The spokesperson concluded with practical advice for players seeking to improve their performance. 'A little daily practice with vocabulary and spelling can make those high-pressure final guesses feel a lot less daunting, helping you become a more confident player.'
This comprehensive study not only reveals fascinating geographical patterns in gameplay behaviour but also provides valuable insights into the cognitive processes involved in solving word puzzles, highlighting the educational benefits of regular vocabulary engagement.
