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Sunday Puzzle: Let's Get Phonetical

NPR

On-air challenge: I'm going to give you some sentences. Each sentence has two blanks. Add the letters "-ty" to the end of the word that goes in the first blank so phonetically you'll get a new word that goes in the second blank to complete the sentence.

Example: Someone is liable to ________ on the newly laid steps due to the ________ workmanship. –-> FALL, FAULTY

1. When the beauty queen was crowned ________ USA, her eyes got all ________.

2. I spent most of last summer at the Jersey ________ with my five-foot friend "________."

3. The witch ________ a high, pointed, wide-brimmed hat over her ________ face.

4. The best ________ to decide ________ matters is to get many opinions and then consider them carefully.

5. As an accomplished actor, I'm always gratified when a film director offers ________ a ________ role that I can sink my teeth into.

6. Supporting the bridge was a steel ________, which the railroad company felt was ________ enough to carry its fully loaded trains.

7. The wildlife management company vowed to clear out the rabbit ________, but they refused to offer a ________ for their work.

8. It should surely ________ at your conscience if you do something ________ to a helpless person.

9. To get an ________ on the test, you'll have to score at least 10 points above ________.

10. The little ________ from Copenhagen had such ________ fingers.

11. With his riches and fame, the magnate used to be on top of the world, but now, oh, ________, how the ________ have fallen!

12. The woodworker prefers boards without any imperfections — that is, ________ ones that are ________.

Last week's challenge: This challenge comes from listener Dominick Talvacchio of Chicago. Think of an article of apparel in 8 letters. Drop the last 2 letters. Move what are the now the last 2 letters to the front. You'll get an article of apparel in 6 letters. What is it?

Challenge answer: Monokini --> kimono

Winner: Eileen Appel of New York City

This week's challenge: This challenge comes from listener Phil Moffa of Torrance, Calif. It's easy, but elegant. Think of a familiar four-word phrase that means "to be last." Together the first two words are a synonym for the last word. What phrase is it?

Submit Your Answer

If you know the answer to next week's challenge, submit it here. Listeners who submit correct answers win a chance to play the on-air puzzle. Important: Include a phone number where we can reach you by Thursday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. ET.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Will Shortz has been the puzzle master for NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday since the program's start in 1987.