How WordSQD Validates Words

Four checks, in order

A WordSQD answer passes four gates. The server trims spaces and converts letters to lowercase. It rejects numbers, punctuation, and internal spaces. It then checks the current WordSQD dictionary, traces the three required letters from left to right, and checks blocked letters in Forbidden mode.

The order check uses positions, not a loose contains test. TIMER passes TMR because the server can find T, then M after it, then R after that. METER contains the same letters but fails because its M appears before its T.

Why the server checks again

The browser gives quick feedback, but a browser can be modified. Saved games, challenge results, and Daily scores therefore run through the same game seed and validation code on the server. The score on a public leaderboard comes from that verification, not from a number supplied by the player.

This also keeps the dictionary off the browser. Players receive a round, submit a candidate, and receive the result without downloading the full word list.

Dictionary membership is literal

A familiar-looking form is accepted only if the exact normalized spelling appears in the active dictionary version. Plurals and inflections do not get a free pass. DOGS can pass when DOGS exists in the list; adding an S to an accepted singular does not automatically create another accepted answer.

The same rule can reject a legitimate regional or specialized word that the current list lacks. That is a dictionary coverage problem, not a reason to bend one player’s score after the round.

Reporting a disputed word

Send the letters, submitted word, difficulty, and date to hello@wordsqd.com. Reports are reviewed against the active list and the game rules. A dictionary update should apply as a versioned change for future rounds so every player on one Daily board faces the same rules.