If your usual starting words left you with a sea of gray tiles this morning, you aren’t alone. Wordle January 18 features a word that leans heavily into the culinary and botanical world, making it a medium-hard challenge for the average player.
According to early data from WordleBot, the average solve takes about 4.0 attempts. Because the word utilizes a less common vowel-consonant structure, specifically ending in a C, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of more common E or S endings.
If you are a fan of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine, you might have a slight advantage today; otherwise, you will need to use your guesses wisely to narrow down the unique consonants.
Wordle Hints Today #1674: Clues for January 18
Before you burn through your final attempts, use these curated hints to guide your next move. You’ve worked hard for your streak, don't let a tricky spice ruin it!
Hint 1 (Vowels): Today’s word contains two vowels, but they aren't the most common pair.
Hint 2 (Repeating Letters): There are no repeated letters in today's puzzle.
Hint 3 (Starting Letter): The word begins with the letter S.
Hint 4 (Ending Letter): The word ends with the letter C.
Hint 5 (Category): This word is a noun referring to both a flowering plant and a tangy spice.
What is the Best Starting Word for Today?
For puzzle #1674, players who started with words like SCALP, SCARE, or SQUAD found much faster success.
Because today’s Wordle answer uses a U and a C, the standard ADIEU or STARE start may have left you hunting for the rare consonant placement.
What is the Wordle Answer Today, January 18, 2026?
If you have reached your final guess and still can’t visualize the solution, we have the reveal ready for you.
The Wordle answer today for Sunday, January 18 (Puzzle #1674) is: SUMAC.

Sumac Meaning and Definition
If SUMAC wasn't in your daily vocabulary, here is why it’s a word worth knowing. Sumac (pronounced soo-mak) refers to any of the various shrubs or small trees belonging to the genus Rhus.
In a culinary context, the dried and ground berries of the plant are used as a popular spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for their deep red color and bright, lemony, and tangy flavor profile.
Previous Answers from Wordle Archive
Wordle Hint for 17 January, 2026 #1673: FIERY
Wordle Hint for 16 January, 2026 #1672: RACER
Wordle Hint for 15 January, 2026 #1671: CHASM
Wordle Hint for 14 January, 2026 #1670: AVOID
Wordle Hint for 13 January, 2026 #1669: GUMBO
Wordle Hint for 12 January, 2026 #1668: TRIAL
Wordle Hint for 11 January, 2026 #1667: QUARK
Wordle Hint for 10 January, 2026 #1666: MANIC
Congratulations on tackling another NYT puzzle! Wordle January 18 was certainly a tangy challenge, but your streak remains intact for another day. Check back tomorrow for more hints to keep your momentum going!
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