How do I select a word in the word search?

Press on the first letter and drag to the last letter, in a straight line. On a phone you can also tap the first letter and then tap the last letter.

Which directions can words go?

On Easy, words run left-to-right and top-to-bottom only. Medium adds diagonals. Hard adds every direction, including backwards and upwards.

Is the puzzle different every time?

Yes. Each new game picks words from the theme at random and places them in new positions, so no two grids are the same.

Can I print the word search?

Yes. Use the Print button to print the current grid and word list. Interface buttons are hidden in the printed version.

Word Search Puzzle 🔎

Find every word in the grid. Drag from the first letter to the last, or tap both ends.

Words to find (0)

Free word search puzzles, with a new grid every game

A word search hides a list of words in a grid of random letters. Words run in straight lines: across, down, diagonally, and on harder levels backwards too. Find each one and mark it off. Every puzzle here is generated when you press New puzzle. The words are chosen at random from the theme you pick and placed in new positions, so you can keep playing without repeats.

Difficulty levels

Easy: 10×10 grid, 8 words, left-to-right and top-to-bottom only. Good for younger children and new readers.
Medium: 12×12 grid, 10 words, adds diagonal words.
Hard: 14×14 grid, 12 words, any of the eight directions, including backwards and bottom-to-top.

How to find words faster

Hunt for rare letters. Look for the Q, Z, X, J or K in a word first. Those letters appear far less often in the grid than vowels.
Scan for double letters. Words like APPLE, BALL or CHEETAH have a pair of repeated letters, which stands out quickly.
Sweep row by row. Instead of searching for one word at a time, read each row and check whether it starts any word on your list.
Check backwards on Hard. Most players forget to read right-to-left and bottom-to-top, and that is where the last word is usually hiding.

Why word searches are worth your time

A word search is a calm, low-pressure puzzle. For children it is useful spelling practice: to find a word, they have to hold its letters in order in their head. For adults it is a pleasant break that needs steady attention without the time pressure of a fast game. If you enjoy it, try our crossword, anagram puzzle or Word Builder next.

Frequently asked questions

How do I select a word on a phone?

Drag across the letters, or tap the first letter and then tap the last letter.

Can I print the puzzle?

Yes. Press Print and you'll get just the grid and the word list, ready for a classroom or a trip.