Updated June 2026
The tropical tree whose seeds are used to make chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter.
“The cacao beans were fermented and dried before shipping.”
/kəˈkɑːəʊ̯/
ca·ca·o
"Cacao" repeats a letter (3 unique of 5), so it rules out fewer options as an opening guess. Its 3 vowels help pin down vowel positions early.
"Cacao" is worth 9 points before board bonuses. Aim its letters at double/triple-letter and word squares to lift the score.
Change a single letter of “cacao” to make these 5-letter words — useful for Wordle and crossword clues.
Look up cacao in an authoritative dictionary for full definitions, pronunciation, and etymology.

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