How to Play Word Search
A word search is a grid of letters with words hidden in it. The words to find are listed below the grid.
The rules
- Every listed word appears in the grid once, in a straight line.
- Words may cross and share letters.
- The other letters are filler.
Directions by size
| Size | Grid | Words | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 10 × 10 | 8 | across (left to right) and down |
| Medium | 12 × 12 | 11 | across, down and both diagonals |
| Large | 15 × 15 | 15 | all eight directions, including backwards |
Marking a word
- Drag from the first letter to the last letter, or
- tap the first letter, then the last letter.
Either end works. A found word gets a coloured band and is crossed off the list. With a keyboard, use the arrows to move, and Enter on the first and last letters.
Hints, timer and the daily puzzle
The hint highlights the first letter of a word you haven't found. The timer starts with your first find. The daily puzzle (medium size) is the same for everyone.
The words are common English words, from the SCOWL word list (see our credits).
Frequently asked questions
Can words go backwards in a word search?
On the large size, yes: words can run in any of the eight directions, including right to left and bottom to top. The small size only uses left to right and top to bottom.
Can hidden words share letters?
Yes. Words can cross each other and share a letter where they meet.
Last updated 2026-10-19