ContraBee

ContraBee

A love note to Spelling Bee

4 ratings
21 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • March 8, 2024
  • June 15, 2025

Features

ContraBee screenshot #1 for iPhone
ContraBee screenshot #2 for iPhone
ContraBee screenshot #3 for iPhone
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About

This app offers a daily word puzzle using the same letter hive as the New York Times Spelling Bee. It challenges players to find words without using the required center letter, encouraging a different approach to word discovery.

Daily word puzzles
Uses NYT Spelling Bee letter hive
Excludes center letter
Encourages alternative word finding
Unique puzzle twist
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What's New in ContraBee

2.1

June 15, 2025

Memory Challenge Mode subtracts points with every repeated guess, making the game a little more challenging. Toggle it on and off in the How to Play section.

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User reviews

Another great spelling game

I love playing ContraBee after I’ve played Spelling Bee. It’s so satisfying to get to use all the words I could have used in Spelling Bee if not for that darn center letter. 🤣 It also helps trigger new words for Spelling Bee. 😃

Doesn’t always open - STILL

Can’t understand why this game doesn’t open some days?????


New update - as of yesterday, it’s not opening again. It was working great, but now - nothing. Several forced closes haven’t worked, even restarted my phone, but no luck.

Update - it was working great for a few weeks, but now it won’t open, even after a forced close. Can’t understand why this happens when every other app I use works every time.

It’s nice when it opens, but lately it’s too unresponsive. I have to force close it several times most days but often can’t get it to launch at all. It’s not really worth keeping if it won’t open.
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Doesn’t always open

New update - as of yesterday, it’s not opening again. It was working great, but now - nothing. Several forced closes haven’t worked, even restarted my phone, but no luck.

Update - it was working great for a few weeks, but now it won’t open, even after a forced close. Can’t understand why this happens when every other app I use works every time.

It’s nice when it opens, but lately it’s too unresponsive. I have to force close it several times most days but often can’t get it to launch at all. It’s not really worth keeping if it won’t open.
Show more

Doesn’t always open

Update - it was working great for a few weeks, but now it won’t open, even after a forced close. Can’t understand why this happens when every other app I use works every time.

It’s nice when it opens, but lately it’s too unresponsive. I have to force close it several times most days but often can’t get it to launch at all. It’s not really worth keeping if it won’t open.
Show more

Doesn’t always open

It’s nice when it opens, but lately it’s too unresponsive. I have to force close it several times most days but often can’t get it to launch at all. It’s not really worth keeping if it won’t open.

FAQ

What is ContraBee?

ContraBee is a daily word puzzle game that uses the same set of letters as the New York Times Spelling Bee. It offers a unique twist by excluding the mandatory center letter, challenging players to find words in a different way.

How does ContraBee work?

Each day, ContraBee presents a puzzle with seven letters, just like the NYT Spelling Bee. However, players must form words using these letters without including the designated center letter. This encourages a fresh perspective on word discovery.

Is ContraBee free to play?

Yes, ContraBee is a free application. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, allowing for an uninterrupted puzzle-solving experience.

Who is ContraBee for?

This app is designed for word game enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy the New York Times Spelling Bee. It's for players looking for a fun, daily mental challenge that offers a novel approach to word puzzles.