How to play Word Search
- Pick a difficulty (the grid size) and, if you like, a category.
- Look for the words from the list below the grid.
- Drag your finger or mouse from the first to the last letter of the word. If it's right, it stays highlighted and is crossed off the list.
- You win when you've found every word. Your time is saved as a record if you didn't use hints.
Tips for solving word searches
Words can be hidden horizontally, vertically and, depending on the level, diagonally and even backwards. On easy they only run left to right and top to bottom; medium adds diagonals; on hard they can run in all eight directions.
A good method is to look for an uncommon letter in the word (like Q, Z, X or J) and scan the area around it, instead of reading the grid letter by letter. It also helps to start with the longest words, since they have fewer possible places to fit.
The grid is built in your browser using everyday words from the category you choose, and nothing is sent to any server. Your current game and best times are stored on your device.
Things to keep in mind
- Your best time only counts if you solve the puzzle without using hints.
- The words use plain letters only, with no accents or special characters.
- Your game and records are saved only in this browser: if you clear the site's data, they are lost.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Word Search?
Look for the words from the list in the letter grid and mark them by dragging your finger or mouse from the first to the last letter.
Can words be backwards?
On medium and hard, yes: they can run diagonally and, on hard, also right to left and bottom to top.
What does the hint do?
It briefly highlights the first letter of a word you haven't found yet. If you use it, that game doesn't count toward your best time.
Can I choose the theme of the words?
Yes. Pick a category (animals, food, household items, nature, body and clothes or jobs) or leave it on "All".
Is it free? Do I need to install anything?
It's free, needs no sign-up and works right in your browser, on a phone, tablet or computer.