How to play Word Search
Find every word from the list hidden in the grid. Each word runs in a straight line in one of three directions: across from left to right, down from top to bottom, or diagonally down to the right. Words never run backwards or upwards here, so every word reads the way you'd normally read it.
To mark a word, press on its first letter and slide to its last letter, or tap the first letter and then the last. When you find one, it's crossed off the list. Find them all to finish the puzzle.
Two sizes and twenty themes
The 10 × 10 grid hides 9 words, with extra-large letters that are easy on the eyes. The 12 × 12 grid hides 12 words for a longer puzzle. Choose the size in Settings. There are twenty themes to choose from, from backyard birds and baking to the holidays, with a seasonal theme for every month of the year. Today's word search, the same for everyone, has its own theme each day.
Tips
- Look for unusual letters first. A K, Y, W or F is far easier to spot than an E.
- Double letters stand out too: look for LL, EE or OO when a word has them.
- Look for the first two letters of a word side by side, rather than the first letter alone.
- Find the long words first. They're easier to see, and once they're crossed off, the short ones have fewer places to hide.
- Scan one row at a time, then one column at a time, then the diagonals.
- Stuck? Hint lights up the first letter of a word you haven't found yet.
Prefer paper?
Every puzzle comes as a free large-print sheet with an answer key on the second page. Use "Print this puzzle" next to the word list, or browse all printable word searches.
Themes
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Hanukkah
- New Year's
- Valentine's Day
- Easter
- Spring
- Fourth of July
- Summer
- Halloween
- Autumn
- Winter
- Backyard Birds
- In the Garden
- Baking Day
- By the Sea
- U.S. States
- Musical Instruments
- Flower Garden
- On the Farm
Questions
Can I make the puzzle easier?
Yes. Choose the 10 × 10 grid in Settings for fewer words and extra-large letters.
How are the puzzles made?
Each puzzle is put together by computer from the theme's word list, then checked so that every word appears exactly once and only reads forwards. The other letters are picked to look like ordinary English, so the hidden words don't stand out by accident.
Can I copy the printables for a group?
Yes. The sheets are free to print and copy for home, classroom and care-home activities.
Is my puzzle saved?
Yes, automatically, including the words you've found. Come back any time on the same device.
Learn more
- Word Search Tips: How to Find Every Word FasterHow to find words faster in any word search: start with the rarest letter, look for letter pairs, find long words first and scan one direction at a time.
- Large-Print Puzzles for Groups: A Guide for Activity Directors and CaregiversHow to run a relaxed puzzle session with large-print word searches: choosing the right size, printing and copying, reusable sheets and ways to make it social.
- Holiday Activities for Seniors: Easy Puzzles and Games from Thanksgiving to New YearLow-prep holiday activities for seniors: large-print Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year word searches, Sudoku, card games and ideas for groups.