Word Search
Find every hidden word in the letter grid — across, down, and diagonally, forwards or backwards. Fresh themed puzzles every game. Drag or tap. No ads, no sign-in.
Drag across the letters to find a word.
Drag from the first letter to the last · or tap the first letter, then the last.
Like it? Take it offline.
Word Search is one of nine classics in Snackpack Brain Games — our calm, ad-free Android bundle, with more themes and saved progress.
- Plays fully offline — flights, commutes, anywhere
- Best times & daily streaks saved on your device
- Eight more games in the same app · no ads, no tracking
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How to play Word Search
A word search hides a list of words inside a grid of letters. The words can run in any straight line — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — and they may read forwards or backwards. Your goal is to find and mark every word on the list. To select a word, drag your cursor or finger from its first letter to its last; on a touchscreen you can also tap the first letter and then the last. When the line matches a word, it locks in and gets crossed off the list.
Tips for finding words faster
- Hunt for the first letter. Scan the grid for the starting letter of a word, then check the eight directions around it.
- Look for rare letters. Uncommon letters like J, Q, X and Z are easy to spot and quickly narrow down where a word sits.
- Sweep line by line. Read each row left to right, then each column top to bottom, so you don't miss the straightforward placements.
- Don't forget the diagonals. They're the most-missed direction — and where the trickiest words tend to hide.
- Check backwards. Many words are reversed; if a word seems missing, try reading it the other way.
A little history
The word search — also called a word find or word seek — was popularised by Norman E. Gibat, who printed one in the Selenby Digest in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1968. Teachers quickly adopted them as a fun way to reinforce spelling and vocabulary, and they spread into newspapers and puzzle books worldwide. They remain a favourite for relaxed, screen-friendly play because the rules are obvious and every puzzle is winnable.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Word Search free?
Yes — it plays free in your browser with no ads, no sign-in, and nothing to install.
Which directions can words go?
All eight: horizontal, vertical, and both diagonals, each forwards or backwards.
How do I select on a phone?
Drag your finger from the first letter to the last, or tap the first letter and then the last letter.
Are there different puzzles?
Yes — pick a theme and hit New game for a freshly generated grid every time. For more themes and offline play, try the free Snackpack Brain Games app.