LinkedIn Crossclimb #771 Answer & Analysis 

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What connects STAR to SHIP in LinkedIn Crossclimb 771 — and why? We've got you covered! Try the hints first — you might crack it before the reveal.

Puzzle Number

771

Date

2026-06-10

Top

STAR

Bottom

SHIP

Answers for Clues

1.

What a boxer may do to practice

••••••

2.

Length, as of a bridge or time

••••••

3.

Turn around and around

••••••

4.

Largest organ of the human body

••••••

5.

Pass over, like a step in a list

••••••

Word Ladder

STAR
SPAR
SPAN
SPIN
SKIN
SKIP
SHIP

Crossclimb 771 Answer & Solution Guide

Answer: STARSHIP 🌟


🎮 Puzzle Overview

Today's Crossclimb 771 features a word ladder connecting STAR (top) to SHIP (bottom). The theme clue tells us these two words combine to form STARSHIP — a compound word for a vehicle in a sci-fi movie. The trick? The first word may be at the bottom, so keep your eyes open!

🪜 Complete Word Ladder

Position Word Clue
Top STAR Part of the theme (top + bottom = STARSHIP)
Rung 1 SPAR What a boxer may do to practice
Rung 2 SPAN Length, as of a bridge or time
Rung 3 SPIN Turn around and around
Rung 4 SKIN Largest organ of the human body
Rung 5 SKIP Pass over, like a step in a list
Bottom SHIP Part of the theme (top + bottom = STARSHIP)

🧠 Player Solution Walkthrough

Step 1: Understanding the Puzzle

The clue hints at a sci-fi vehicle made by combining the top and bottom words. STAR + SHIP = STARSHIP. But the note warns: "The first word may be at the bottom." This is a classic Crossclimb misdirection — don't assume STAR is always on top in the final answer.

Step 2: Starting from the Middle

Look at the middle rungs. We have words starting with S and changing one letter at a time. Starting from SPIN (turn around and around) is a solid anchor — it's a familiar word with a clear clue.

Step 3: Connecting to the Ends

From SPIN, work outward:

  • SPIN → SKIN (change P→K) — largest organ of the body
  • SKIN → SKIP (change N→P) — pass over a step
  • SPIN → SPAN (change I→A) — length of a bridge or time
  • SPAN → SPAR (change N→R) — what a boxer practices

Step 4: The Full Ladder

The complete chain: STAR → SPAR → SPIN → SKIN → SKIP → SHIP

Wait — let me recheck. The correct order based on solutionRungIndex: STAR → SPAR → SPAN → SPIN → SKIN → SKIP → SHIP

Each step changes exactly one letter, and each clue matches its word perfectly.

Step 5: Answer

The final answer is STARSHIP — the iconic sci-fi vehicle! 🚀

📚 Word Reference

Word Meaning
STAR A luminous celestial body; also a famous person
SPAR To practice boxing; also a stout pole on a ship
SPAN The full extent or distance between two points
SPIN To rotate rapidly around an axis
SKIN The outer covering of the human body
SKIP To omit or pass over something
SHIP A large vessel for travel on water; also to send goods

❓ FAQ

Q1: What is the answer to Crossclimb 771? A: The answer is STARSHIP — a compound word formed by combining STAR (top) and SHIP (bottom).

Q2: How many rungs are in the word ladder? A: There are 5 middle rungs (SPAR, SPAN, SPIN, SKIN, SKIP), plus the top and bottom words, making 7 words total.

Q3: What does the clue "the first word may be at the bottom" mean? A: It's a reminder that the compound word (STARSHIP) doesn't necessarily have STAR as the first word in the puzzle's physical layout — STAR happens to be on top here, but the warning keeps you alert.

Q4: Why is SPAR placed right after STAR? A: SPAR differs from STAR by only one letter (T→P), making it a valid single-step transition in the word ladder.

Q5: What's the trickiest clue in this puzzle? A: "Pass over, like a step in a list" for SKIP can be misleading — players might think of JUMP or LEAP before realizing SKIP fits the single-letter-change constraint from SKIN.

🎯 Strategy Tips

  1. Start from the middle — words like SPIN or SKIN are easier to identify and branch out from.
  2. Look for single-letter changes — each step in the ladder changes exactly one letter.
  3. Check positions carefully — the top and bottom words are part of the compound answer.
  4. Use the theme clue — knowing it's STARSHIP helps you confirm STAR and SHIP are the anchor words.
  5. Don't skip clues — even if you know the answer, verify each rung matches its clue.

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