Crossclimb #600 Answer – December 21, 2025

LATEXEASEL

Answer

LATEXEASEL

LATEXTOP
LATER
Sometime after this

Solution: This refers to a time period that comes after the present, making it an easy connection.

LASER
Part of a bar code reader

Solution: A laser is indeed part of a bar code reader, as it scans items by reading their codes.

BASER
More villainous

Solution: The word 'baser' implies a lower moral quality, fitting the clue about villainy.

BASED
Founded (on)

Solution: To be founded on something means it has its origins or basis in that thing.

EASED
Relaxed

Solution: To be eased means to be relaxed or made less severe, aligning perfectly with the clue.

EASELBOTTOM

Combo Clue

Two things a painter might use, one a kind of paint and the other a kind of frame to hold a painting

📖 How I Solved It

I dove into Puzzle #600 today, and right off the bat, I loved the combo clue about things a painter might use. It made me think of my art class days. The trickiest clue for me was definitely 'BASER'—I kept trying to connect it to something more straightforward, and I actually guessed 'WORSE' at first, which wasn't even close! But then, when I hit 'EASED', I had my 'aha moment.' I realized all these words had a flow, and they were leading me straight to 'EASEL.' It was such a satisfying feeling when I finally connected 'LATEX' to 'EASEL' through that word ladder. Pretty cool how language works! I can't believe I almost got stuck on that one clue, but I guess that's part of the fun, right?

💡 Tips for This Puzzle

❓ FAQ

The Crossclimb answer for December 21, 2025 (#600) is LATEXEASEL. The complete word ladder is: LATEX → LATER → LASER → BASER → BASED → EASED → EASEL.