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Sunday Puzzle: Let's Get Phonetical

Sunday Puzzle
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
NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz has appeared on Weekend Edition Sunday since the program's start in 1987. He's also the crossword editor of The New York Times, the former editor of Games magazine, and the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (since 1978).