About Fill-In Crosswords

Fill-In Crosswords is a free word puzzle game that runs in your browser on phone, tablet, or desktop. No download, no install, no sign-up.

Also called a criss-cross, it gives you the full list of answers instead of clues like a traditional crossword: your goal is to figure out where each word belongs, using word lengths and the letters that crossing words share. Three difficulty levels keep it interesting whether you want a relaxed solve or a real challenge.

Prefer solving on paper? Try our printable fill-in crossword puzzles.

How to Play

Tap an empty cell to select a word slot; it lights up in yellow.
Tap a word in the bank, or type it, to place it. Backspace removes letters, the eraser clears the slot.
Crossing words must share the letter where they meet. That rule is how you deduce every placement.
Place all the words to finish; your time joins your local best-times list.

Selected slot in a fill-in crossword grid — The selected slot lights up in yellow. Only GRAPE has the right length.

Crossing words sharing a letter — The down slot must share the M of LEMON, so EMU fits and FIG does not.

From relaxed to head-scratching, the three difficulty levels have something for everyone. Every puzzle has exactly one solution, and best times are tracked per difficulty.

Tips & Tricks

Start with the rarest length One word of a length and one slot to match means a forced, guaranteed placement.
Let the selected slot filter the bank Words of the wrong length fade out, leaving only real candidates.
Anchor on the intersections A single crossing letter, especially an unusual one, often rules out every candidate but one.
Break ties with the crossing letter When two words both fit a slot, only one shares the right letter with a word already placed.
Type to move fast With a slot selected, type the word straight in; the eraser backs out a bad guess cleanly.

Word bank grouped by word length — APRICOT is the only 7-letter word: its placement is guaranteed.

Want to go deeper? Read our full guide to fill-in crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fill-in crossword?

A fill-in crossword (also called a kriss-kross or criss-cross) is a crossword variant where the answers are provided in advance. Your job is to slot each answer into the right place on the grid. Letters at crossings must match between intersecting words, and that constraint is what makes the puzzle solvable.

How is it different from a regular crossword?

A regular crossword gives you cryptic or definition-style clues and asks you to come up with the answers. A fill-in crossword skips the clues. You see all the answers up front and must figure out the geometry. It leans more on pattern matching and logic than on vocabulary.

Is the game free?

Yes. It runs entirely in your browser. No sign-up, no payment, no installation.

Does my progress get saved?

Your current puzzle progress and best completion times are saved locally in your browser. They are tied to that browser profile, so clearing site data or switching devices will not bring them with you.

What devices are supported?

Any modern browser on phone, tablet, or desktop. The grid scales to fit the screen and you can play with touch, mouse, or keyboard.

Are new puzzles added regularly?

Each new game generates a fresh puzzle in your browser. More puzzle settings and difficulty levels are planned.

A Short History of Fill-In Crosswords

The first crossword, a hollow diamond called a "word-cross", was published by Arthur Wynne in the New York World on December 21, 1913. The fill-in came later as a friendlier variant: the same interlocking grid, answers included, and a puzzle-magazine staple ever since.

Fill-In Crosswords