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Acrostic

Solve clues to spell out a hidden word.

Play today's daily

How to play Acrostic

Goal

Solve every clue. The first letters of the answers spell the hidden word.

  1. 1Pick a clue and type the answer into its boxes. The number shows how many letters it has.
  2. 2A correct answer turns green and reveals one letter of the hidden word.
  3. 3Guess the hidden word early to fill in the first letter of every answer.
  4. 4Stuck? A hint reveals the next letter for 15 extra seconds.

On a computer

Type answers, Up and Down arrows to change clue, Backspace to delete.

On a phone

Tap a clue, then type on the on-screen keyboard.

Play Acrostic free online. Answer short clues and watch the first letters spell a hidden word. Fair clues, letter hints and a new acrostic puzzle daily.

Acrostic tips and strategy

  • Solve the easiest clues first. Even two or three letters of the hidden word can make it guessable.
  • Use the letter count. A five letter animal starting with Z narrows things down a lot.
  • Try guessing the hidden word as soon as you have half its letters.
  • The first box of every answer is outlined in gold because it belongs to the hidden word.
  • If a clue could fit two answers, check which first letter would make the hidden word a real word.
  • Save hints for the last clue or two, when one letter often finishes the puzzle.

About Acrostic

An acrostic hides a word in plain sight. Here you get a short list of clues, one per letter of a hidden word. When you solve the clues, the first letters of the answers, read top to bottom, spell that hidden word. Each correct answer turns green and adds a letter to the hidden word at the top of the puzzle.

Acrostics have a long history. Poets have hidden names in the first letters of their lines for centuries, and puzzle writers have turned the idea into many forms. Ours keeps it simple and friendly. Every clue is short and fair, the number of letters is always shown, and the answers are everyday words rather than crossword trivia.

If you can guess the hidden word early, type it in the box at the top. Get it right and the first letter of every answer fills in for free, which makes the remaining clues much easier. Hints reveal one letter of the current answer for 15 seconds each. Your score is your solving time, and unfinished puzzles are saved so you can come back later.

Acrostic FAQ

What is an acrostic puzzle?

A puzzle where the first letters of several answers spell out another word. You solve clues to reveal it.

Can I guess the hidden word first?

Yes. Tap the hidden word bar and type your guess. If it is right, the first letter of every answer is filled in.

Do wrong answers cost anything?

No. A wrong answer just shakes so you can try again. Only hints add time.

How many acrostic puzzles are there?

There are over 40 original puzzles, and the game picks ones you have not played yet. A daily acrostic is also available.

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