Word Search
About Word Search
Word Search is a classic word puzzle where a list of words is hidden in a grid of letters. Your job is to find each word by dragging across consecutive cells in a straight line. Words can run in any of eight directions: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, forward or backward. The letters in between are random filler designed to camouflage the answers.
This is a free browser-based game that works on phone, tablet, and desktop. Nothing to install and no account required. An in-progress puzzle is automatically saved so you can pick it back up later.
How to Play
Click or tap on the first letter of a word, then drag to the last letter. The cells light up in yellow as you drag. Once your selection covers a full matching word, it is marked off and a colored stripe is drawn over it. If the selected cells do not spell one of the words in the bank, the selection clears.
Drags are snapped to the nearest valid line, so you don't have to be perfectly precise on diagonals. Your best completion times are saved locally in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can words overlap?
Yes. The puzzle generator places words first and may share letters at intersections. A single letter cell can belong to two or more answers.
Can words go backward?
Yes. Words can run in any of the eight standard directions, including the four reverse ones.
Is there a hint?
Yes. The hint button reveals one unfound word automatically. There is a small time penalty added at the end for each hint used.
Does my progress save?
Yes. If you close the tab or reload mid-puzzle, your current grid, found words, and timer are restored when you come back. Best completion times are also stored locally. Everything is tied to that browser profile and won't carry across devices.
Is the game free?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser with no sign-up required.