About Word Search
Word search puzzles are a staple of word games, with titles like Word Search Explorer ranking among the most downloaded word games. They are great for vocabulary, spelling and concentration.
Our version includes ten themes, including animals, fruits, space, ocean, sports (with cricket and kabaddi), music, kitchen, weather and travel, and a timer that turns leftover seconds into bonus points.
Word Search at a glance
| Genre | Word game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Drag |
| Typical game length | 1 to 3 minutes per level |
| Lives | None (timed) |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play Word Search
- Read the word list. Words are listed under the grid.
- Drag across the letters. Go in a straight line from the first letter to the last.
- Find them all. Found words are crossed off and highlighted in color.
- Beat the clock. Leftover time becomes bonus points.
Rules
- Words run across and down on Easy levels, add diagonals on Hard levels, and can run backwards on Super Hard and Difficult levels.
- The level ends when the timer runs out.
Levels and difficulty
Grids grow from 8×8 with 6 words to 12×12 with 12 words.
Scoring
Each word scores points by length, plus a time bonus for finishing the grid early. Harder tags multiply the points. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for Word Search
- Look for unusual letters first, like Z, Q, K or double letters.
- Scan for the first two letters of a word together rather than one letter at a time.
- On later levels, remember words can go backwards.
- Work through the list from longest to shortest: long words are easier to spot.
History of the game
Word search puzzles are usually credited to Norman E. Gibat, who published one in the Selenby Digest in Oklahoma in 1968.
How we built and tested Word Search
Every grid is generated so that all listed words fit without conflicts; we verified generation for every grid size across all themes.
Frequently asked questions
Can words go diagonally?
Yes, from the Hard levels onward.
Can words be backwards?
Yes, on Super Hard and Difficult levels.
How many themes are there?
Ten themes with 18 words each.