Wordle Answer #1676 - January 20, 2026

Wordle time for January 20, 2026 - puzzle #1676 is a quick one if you land on the right meaning early. It’s a common everyday word, but it can still be sneaky. If you’re stuck after a couple of guesses, use the hints below to narrow it down.

• Think of something getting made less clean or less pure
• It can be used both in a literal way and in a “reputation” way
• Often follows a direct object (you do it to something)
• The overall feel is negative, not neutral

A lot of misses today come from chasing similar ideas that fit the theme but use a different action word. Another trap is guessing a longer or more formal word when the answer is actually short and plain. Watch out for choices that push you toward an extra vowel or a rare letter.

• Part of speech: verb (also used as a noun sometimes)
• It’s not a technical term; it’s a straightforward everyday word
• Vowels: 1 vowel, and Y is acting as a vowel
• There is one repeated letter
• Starts with S and ends with Y
• Pattern: S _ _ _ Y

If you’ve got the first and last letters locked in, try testing common middle letters that keep the meaning tight and simple. Ready for the reveal?