Wordle Answer for January 12, 2026

The Wordle for January 12, 2026 solved to TRIAL. Below are the starting-word hints for every turn count, plus the meaning and origin of the word itself.

The answer

TRIAL

What trial means

A test or experiment to determine whether something works, is safe, or is effective, or a formal legal proceeding in which a judge or jury hears evidence and decides a case.

Where the word comes from

From Old French *trial*, meaning "an act of trying," derived from the verb *trier*, "to try" or "to pick out." This Old French verb traces back to Latin *tritare*, a frequentative form of *terere*, meaning "to rub" or "to wear away," reflecting the sense of testing something through repeated use or friction. The legal meaning developed in Middle English as trials became formalized judicial proceedings where cases were tested and decided.

Hints for January 12, 2026

Each row is the starting word our algorithm picks for that turn count, with the tiles Wordle would have shown in response.

Solve in 2 turnstriad
Solve in 3 turnstrail
Solve in 4 turnstrain
Solve in 5 turnsliart
Solve in 6 turnsliart

Synonyms of trial

  • model
  • run
  • test
  • pilot
  • experimental
  • tryout
  • tribulation
  • visitation

Used in a sentence

The lawyer requested a jury _____ instead of having the judge decide the case alone.

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