About the game

Distance, not definitions

CloseGuess is a daily word puzzle where you discover the secret word by guessing semantically related terms. Unlike traditional word games, we rank your guesses by conceptual closeness—not spelling or definitions.

How to Play

  1. Enter a word that might be related to the hidden word. Think about concepts, themes, and associations rather than definitions.
  2. Check your rank. Lower rank means your guess is semantically closer to the secret. Rank #1 means you've guessed the exact word.
  3. Refine your guesses. Use broad words first (e.g., "animal", "food"), then narrow down based on the feedback. Each guess helps you home in on the answer.

What Does "Semantically Close" Mean?

We use language models to compare your guess with the secret word in meaning space. For example, if the secret is "apple," words like "fruit," "orange," and "tree" might rank closer than "chair" or "computer." The ranking is based on conceptual similarity, not dictionary definitions.

Game Modes

  • Daily: One new puzzle every day. Play today's puzzle or catch up on past days within the last 60 days.
  • Levels: Progress through 10 levels, each with 10 puzzles. Track your completion and challenge yourself.

Tips for Better Guessing

  • Start with broad categories (e.g., nature, emotions, objects) to narrow the field
  • Synonyms and related concepts often rank close together
  • Use common base-form words (e.g., "run" instead of "running")
  • Don't be afraid to guess—each attempt gives you useful feedback

Share Your Results

After solving a puzzle, share your result with friends via the built-in share options. Copy your emoji grid or share directly to social media. Invite others to play and compare scores.

Have Fun

CloseGuess is designed to be a quick, daily brain teaser. Whether you solve it in 3 guesses or 20, the goal is to enjoy the process of semantic discovery. Good luck!