Wordle Answer for February 20, 2026

The Wordle for February 20, 2026 solved to STANK. Below are the starting-word hints for every turn count, plus the meaning and origin of the word itself.

The answer

STANK

What stank means

A strong, foul, or unpleasant smell, or the past tense of "stink" meaning to emit a bad odor or to be extremely displeasing.

Where the word comes from

From Old English *stincan*, meaning "to emit a smell." This verb is related to Old Norse *stökkva* and Old High German *stincan*, all tracing back to Proto-Germanic *stink-*. The past tense "stank" follows the strong verb pattern common in Germanic languages. The sense of "bad smell" developed from the general meaning of "to smell," eventually narrowing to unpleasant odors.

Hints for February 20, 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 turnsstand
Solve in 3 turnsthank
Solve in 4 turnssaint
Solve in 5 turnstanks
Solve in 6 turnstanks

Synonyms of stank

  • pissant
  • stanky
  • stinkin'
  • astink
  • stinksome
  • stenchy
  • foul-smelling
  • fetid

Used in a sentence

The old fish market _____ so badly that customers had to hold their breath while shopping.

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