| 100% | INCHAOS | 7 | Like a supermarket before a major storm, perhaps |
| 53% | STRAY | 5 | Like a cat before it's adopted, perhaps |
| 49% | CALM | 4 | Like the proverbial period before a storm |
| 44% | ROBED | 5 | Like a boxer before a bout |
| 44% | ROBED | 5 | Like a boxer before a fight |
| 44% | ROBED | 5 | Like a boxer before a match |
| 43% | ICY | 3 | Like a sidewalk after a sleet storm |
| 43% | HOARSE | 6 | Like a speaker after a filibuster, perhaps |
| 43% | LOST | 4 | Like a traveler without a map, perhaps |
| 43% | LIBELLOUS | 9 | Like a column starting a row, perhaps |
| 43% | FOAM | 4 | Like a finger at a sports game, perhaps |
| 43% | INKY | 4 | Like a pocket without a pocket protector, perhaps |
| 42% | BOASTS | 6 | Brags, like a boxer before a match |
| 42% | UNCUT | 5 | Like a film before editing |
| 41% | AWASH | 5 | Like a sloop in a storm |
| 41% | ATBAR | 5 | Like a case before the court |
| 41% | PRETRIAL | 8 | Like the motions before a hearing |
| 41% | LIT | 3 | Like birthday candles before a wish |
| 40% | WINDBORNE | 9 | Like the dust in a dust storm |
| 40% | ICY | 3 | Like unsalted roads after a winter storm |
| 40% | ERODED | 6 | Like a seacoast after a storm, maybe |
| 40% | TAXEXCLUSIVE | 12 | Like a price before levies are added |
| 40% | EVE | 3 | Night before a major holiday |
| 40% | IDO | 3 | Words before a major pronouncement |
| 40% | EVE | 3 | Day before a major holiday |
| 40% | EVE | 3 | Night before a major event |
| 40% | SNOWLINED | 9 | Like many a road after a winter storm |
| 40% | OILY | 4 | Like a dipstick before it's wiped clean |
| 40% | ONEBC | 5 | Last year before a major change |
| 40% | CRAM | 4 | Study right before a major test |