Answer, Hints and Full Solution for Puzzle #1708

**SPOILER ALERT: Stop reading now if you haven’t attempted today’s Wordle yet.** The solution to Wordle puzzle #1708 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, is **AWAKE**.

Players worldwide logged on to the New York Times Games site this morning to tackle the daily brainteaser, which challenged many with its subtle clues tied to consciousness and rest. The word features five letters, three vowels — including a repeated ‘A’ — and evokes the transition from slumber, as hinted by phrases like “no longer in the land of nod.”

For those still puzzling, here are tiered hints without revealing the full answer:

**Hint 1:** This five-letter word starts with ‘A’ and ends with ‘E’.
**Hint 2:** It contains no repeated consonants but two instances of the same vowel.
**Hint 3:** Synonyms include “alert,” “aroused” or “conscious.”
**Hint 4:** It’s the opposite of “asleep.”
**Hard Mode Hint:** Positions 1, 3 and 5 are vowels.

The puzzle drew mixed reactions on social media, with some users nailing it in three guesses and others struggling through five or six. “AWAKE tripped me up because I kept thinking of words like ‘ABACK’ or ‘AGAPE,’” one X user posted. Wordle Bot, the NYT’s AI companion, recommends starting with “SLATE” for this one, eliminating common letters efficiently.

Yesterday’s puzzle #1707 was “STANK,” continuing a streak of words with unconventional connotations. Recent solutions include “HOIST,” “MOGUL,” “SQUAD” and “ROOST,” showcasing the game’s variety from everyday terms to niche vocabulary.

Since The New York Times acquired Wordle from creator Josh Wardle in early 2022 for a reported low-seven figures, the game has exploded in popularity, attracting millions daily. What began as a private gift for Wardle’s partner in 2013 evolved into a global phenomenon by 2021, spawning apps, merchandise and countless copycats. Today, it anchors the NYT Games suite alongside Spelling Bee, Connections and the Mini Crossword, with over 10 million active players monthly.

The formula remains simple yet addictive: Guess a five-letter word in six tries or fewer, with color-coded feedback — green for correct letter and position, yellow for correct letter wrong spot, gray for absent letters. Hard mode, toggled in settings, enforces use of confirmed hints, appealing to purists.

Strategies abound in 2026. Experts advocate vowel-heavy openers like “ADIEU,” “AUDIO” or “RAISE” to map the board early. Consonant-focused starters such as “SLATE” or “CRANE” — backed by computational analyses — optimize information gain. Avoid repeats initially to maximize coverage. Mid-game, prioritize yellow letters and positional exclusions.

Wordle Bot rates guesses on skill, luck and solve time, offering post-game analysis. For #1708, optimal paths might involve “SLATE” (revealing A, E) followed by “AWAKE” variants like “ABACK” or “AGAVE.”

The game’s cultural impact endures. Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Barack Obama share scores on X, while streaks — some exceeding 1,000 days — foster community. Variants like Worldle (geography), Nerdle (math) and Quordle (four puzzles) keep the format fresh.

In 2026, accessibility features shine: Color-blind modes, high-contrast themes and audio cues broaden appeal. NYT reports diverse demographics, from Gen Z sharers to boomer solvers.

Challenges persist. Algorithm tweaks post-acquisition sparked minor backlash, but transparency via the Solver tool — simulating Bot’s process — rebuilt trust. Global time zones create “today’s” variations, with midnight resets in New York.

For #1708, “AWAKE” tested vigilance, fitting its meaning. Players who started strong often solved in four guesses; late vowel reveals prolonged others.

Tomorrow’s #1709 awaits at nytimes.com/games/wordle. Share scores with the classic emoji grid — 🟩🟨⬛ — but beware spoilers.

Wordle’s genius lies in brevity and universality, turning five letters into daily ritual. As Wardle intended, it sparks conversation, frustration and triumph — one puzzle at a time.