Today’s Wordle answer and hints (Dec. 20)

I’m not afraid to admit I stumbled on today’s Wordle. It was tough, even by The New York Times’ standard. Before I give away the answer, I have a few hints and clues that might lead you in the right direction.

Today’s Wordle hints and clues (Dec. 20)

• Hint 1: To shine in a bright but brief, sudden, or intermittent way.
• Hint 2: Verb.
• Hint 3: The word begins with the letter “F.”
• Hint 4: Lightning f_____ overhead.

Today’s Wordle answer (No. 1,280, Dec. 20)

Are you still struggling with today’s Wordle? I don’t blame you. The answer is FLASH. This word means to shine brightly and suddenly or to make something shine in this way. “The lightning flashed and distant thunder rolled.”

Today’s Wordle difficulty rating (Dec. 20)

The New York Times said today’s Wordle took players an average of four out of six guesses to get the correct answer, which doesn’t surprise me. I also struggled to get the answer. I’d give it a four out of five on the difficulty rating.

Previous Wordle answers

It’s always worth knowing the previous Wordle answers, even if you weren’t around to guess them. They can even give you clues to tomorrow’s answer. Here are the last five answers:

• STRAY
• HEFTY
• SCOWL
• BOAST
• BOXER

How to play more word games after solving today’s Wordle

After solving today’s Wordle, why not check out other word games? The New York Times, LA Times, and Washington Post have crosswords, and then there’s always Strands and Spelling Bee. You can never get enough word games.