Friday puzzle -- word play
Alex Y
I want to find a word that provides the most variants by changing only one letter in one position. For instance:
Eight
Fight
Light
Might
Night
Right
Sight
Tight
Wight(1)
(1) archaic word for human being
This is nine words, with only the first letter changed.
What is the largest such set you can find? It doesn't have to be the first letter, but it must be the same letter position changed throughout the set.
Some "rules":
No proper nouns
No non-standard alternate spelling
No foreign words not in regular English usage. (e.g., "croissant" is okay, but not "bonjour")
Abbreviations and acronyms okay only if they have gained acceptance as words. (e.g., laser and pecs okay, but OSHA is questionable)
If your set includes a word not in common usage, footnote it like I did above for "wight"
These "rules" are obviously open to lots of interpretation, so just follow the intent, and have fun "disputing" any grey areas. I'm not going to take the role of judge here. 