Word Search
Play word search free in your browser — no download, no sign-up. Scan themed letter grids from 8×8 to 12×12, circle every hidden word, and chase faster times with local best scores.
Word search is a classic pencil-and-paper puzzle brought to the browser: a square grid of letters hides themed words along rows, columns, or diagonals. Find every word on the list to finish the puzzle — a relaxing way to train visual scanning and vocabulary pattern recognition.
Why Play Here
Runs entirely in your browser. Pick a theme and difficulty, then drag across letters to mark each word — no install, no account.
Five word themes, three grid sizes, smart hints that flash a word's location, and your fastest time per difficulty saved locally.
How to Play
Words appear in the chip list below the grid. Drag in a straight line through consecutive letters, or tap a start cell then an end cell.
Letters always read normally along each word's direction. You may drag forward or backward to select — either works.
Difficulty Levels
Easy uses an 8×8 grid with five words placed horizontally or vertically only.
Medium expands to 10×10 with eight words including diagonals. Hard is 12×12 with twelve longer words and the same directions.
Quick Tips
- Scan one direction at a time — all horizontals first, then verticals, then diagonals.
- Look for uncommon letter pairs (Q, X, Z) — they anchor a word quickly.
- Long words on the list are easier to spot; save short ones for a second pass.
- Use the hint button when stuck — it briefly highlights one remaining word.
- Switch themes for variety; animal and country lists are great warm-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can words run backward?
Words are placed so letters read normally in the grid. You can still drag backward to select a word — both directions count as a find.
What language are the words?
Puzzles use English uppercase words, grouped by theme. UI supports multiple locales.
How do hints work?
A hint flashes the cells of one word you have not found yet. It does not auto-complete the word for you.
Are scores saved?
Yes. Best time per difficulty and your last 15 completed puzzles are stored locally in your browser.
