Crossclimb #588 Answer – December 9, 2025

NEWSCAST

Answer

NEWSCAST

NEWSTOP
NEWT
Salamander

Solution: The clue refers to a type of salamander, which is an amphibian that can be found in many environments.

NEST
Crow's ___ (structure on the top of a ship’s mast used as a lookout, not as a home for birds)

Solution: This clue hints at a crow's nest, which is a structure at the top of a ship's mast used for lookout purposes.

PEST
An organism harmful to humans such as an insect that damages crops

Solution: A pest is defined as an organism, often an insect, that poses harm to humans or damages crops.

POST
What a mailbox might sit atop, or contain

Solution: In this context, a post can refer to the structure that supports a mailbox or the content inside it.

COST
Number on a price tag

Solution: This clue alludes to the price displayed on a price tag, indicating the monetary value of an item.

CASTBOTTOM

Combo Clue

A compound word for a show featuring anchors that deliver daily updates

📖 How I Solved It

I dove into Puzzle #588 with a sense of excitement; I always love a good word challenge. The combo clue about a show featuring anchors had me thinking about news, and I was pretty sure it was something like 'newscast.' But then I hit a snag with the middle clues. The clue for 'NEST' really tripped me up. I kept picturing actual bird nests rather than thinking about nautical terms, which made me second guess myself. But my 'aha moment' came when I finally remembered that crow's nests are those lookout spots on ships. Once I nailed that, the rest of the word ladder just started to click. I had a couple of wrong turns—especially thinking I could go from 'NEWT' to 'LENT' at one point—but it was all worth it when I completed the ladder. It’s such a satisfying feeling to see all the words align perfectly.

💡 Tips for This Puzzle

❓ FAQ

The Crossclimb answer for December 9, 2025 (#588) is NEWSCAST. The complete word ladder is: NEWS → NEWT → NEST → PEST → POST → COST → CAST.