| 100% | NOM | 3 | Awards show recognition that might lead to a win, for short |
| 49% | ATEST | 5 | It might lead to a cloud formation, for short |
| 46% | DUI | 3 | A .08% reading may lead to it, for short |
| 45% | DEC | 3 | Month that leads to a brand new year, for short |
| 44% | FORMALTALKS | 11 | Discussions that might lead to a treaty |
| 44% | DATE | 4 | Meetup that might lead to a sleepover |
| 44% | INS | 3 | Connections that might lead to a job |
| 44% | OPED | 4 | Column that might lead to a row? |
| 44% | INLET | 5 | Waterway that might lead to a lagoon |
| 44% | URL | 3 | String that may lead to a thread? |
| 44% | MISMATCH | 8 | Setup that may lead to a rout |
| 44% | AIRHOSE | 7 | Tube that may lead to a tire |
| 44% | LOB | 3 | Pass that might lead to a slam dunk |
| 44% | LABORSTRIKE | 11 | Withholding that might lead to a bigger paycheck |
| 44% | GIVEANDGO | 9 | Move that may lead to a slam dunk |
| 44% | MIC | 3 | Electronic device that might be attached to a lapel, for short |
| 43% | REPLYALL | 8 | Email option that might lead to a faux pas |
| 43% | TORT | 4 | Infringement of right, that may lead to a lawsuit |
| 43% | AUDIT | 5 | Investigation that may lead to a tax evasion charge |
| 43% | GPS | 3 | Navigation aid that may tell a driver to make a U-turn, for short |
| 42% | PDA | 3 | Show that might warrant a "Get a room!," for short |
| 42% | NOM | 3 | Awards show recognition for nonwinners, for short |
| 40% | LINE | 4 | Florida Georgia ___, country music duo that won a Billboard Music Award for their hit song "Meant to Be" |
| 39% | PLAY | 4 | Production that might win a Tony award |
| 38% | REFI | 4 | Replacement mortgage that might offer a better deal, for short |
| 38% | UKE | 3 | Guitar relative that may accompany a hula dance, for short |
| 38% | OBIT | 4 | News article that may include a funeral date, for short |
| 38% | UKE | 3 | Instrument that might be used to play "Hi'ilawe," for short |
| 38% | OCD | 3 | Condition that can lead to repetitive behavior, for short |
| 38% | NUB | 3 | Piece that might be too short for a sharpener |