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ArcadePantrySurprise

Word Search

Find the hidden words in the grid.

Play today's daily
Theme AnimalsFound 0/0Time 0:00Score 0

    How to play Word Search

    Goal

    Find every word in the list.

    1. 1Words can run across, down, diagonally or backwards. Easy uses only across and down, Hard uses every direction on a bigger grid.
    2. 2Select a word from its first letter to its last. Found words are highlighted and crossed off the list.
    3. 3Classic: each word is 100 points, plus a speed bonus when you finish quickly.
    4. 4Race: find all 10 words in 2 minutes. Each word is 100 points and every second left earns 10 more.
    5. 5Pick a theme for a new set of words.

    On a computer

    Drag across a word, or click its first and last letter

    On a phone

    Drag your finger across a word, or tap its first and last letter

    Play Word Search free online. Find hidden words across, down, diagonally and backwards in themed word search puzzles. Also known as a word hunt or word find, with a daily puzzle and a race mode.

    Word Search tips and strategy

    • Scan for uncommon letters in the word, like Z, Q, X or K. They are easier to spot in the grid.
    • Look for the first two letters of a word side by side, then follow that direction.
    • Remember words can be backwards, so check for the last letters too.
    • Work through the grid row by row for one word at a time instead of jumping around.
    • Short words hide easily. Search for them after the long ones, when the grid is less confusing.
    • Found words get highlighted, so you can rule out those letters.

    About Word Search

    Word Search hides a list of words inside a twelve by twelve grid of letters. Words can run across, down, diagonally and even backwards. You find each one and select it from its first letter to its last. Some people call it a word find or a word hunt puzzle, and you can play it free online here with a new grid every day.

    Word search puzzles became popular in newspapers and puzzle books in the 1960s and 1970s and are still a favorite relaxing pastime. Our free version has themed puzzles such as Animals, Space, Food and Sports, and builds a new grid every time. For the holidays there is a Christmas word search theme with festive words like reindeer, mistletoe and gingerbread, plus a Winter theme.

    Word Search is calm and low pressure, great for unwinding or for kids practicing spelling. Drag across the words with a mouse or your finger, or tap the first and last letter.

    Word searches are also a nice screen break that does not feel rushed, since there is no timer. Many people use them to wind down in the evening, and teachers like them for reviewing themed vocabulary. Each theme in our game has its own word list, so you can pick a subject you enjoy. Arcade Pantry is free to play with no sign up and no download. Your best results are saved only in your own browser.

    Word Search FAQ

    Is a word hunt the same as a word search?

    Yes. Word hunt, word find and word search all name the same puzzle: find a list of words hidden in a grid of letters. Ours is free online, with themes and a daily grid.

    Can words go backwards in Word Search?

    Yes. Words can run in any of eight directions: across, down, diagonally and backwards.

    How do I select a word on my phone?

    Drag your finger from the first letter to the last, or tap the first letter and then the last letter.

    Is Word Search good for kids?

    Yes. It is relaxing and helps with spelling, letter recognition and focus.

    Can I get a new puzzle?

    Yes. Pick a theme or tap New puzzle to generate a fresh grid.

    Is there a time limit in Word Search?

    No. Take as long as you like to find every word.

    More word games

    All 21 word games