Word Search
100% FreeNo sign-upPress on the first letter and drag to the last — words run in straight lines, including diagonals, forwards or backwards. Find them all to win.
Play free online word search puzzles. Every word on the list is hidden somewhere in the grid — drag across the letters to find it. The puzzles are generated fresh in your browser, with nothing to install and no account.
How to play word search
Read the word list, then hunt for each word in the grid. Words sit along straight lines — across, down or diagonally, and on harder settings backwards too. Press on the first letter, drag to the last, and release; a correct line stays highlighted and the word is crossed off. Clear the whole list to win.
Directions and difficulty
Easier puzzles only run words left-to-right and top-to-bottom. Turn on diagonals and reversed words for a proper challenge, where a word can start at the far end and read back toward you. Checking a likely-looking line in both directions is a good habit.
Tips for finding words
Scan for the uncommon first letters of listed words — a lone Q, X or Z is a giveaway. Sweep each row, then each column, then the diagonals. If a word shares letters with one you have already found, the crossing point narrows down where it can be.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The whole puzzle is generated and solved on your own device, and your progress is saved in your browser only. There is no sign-up and nothing is sent to Zerdly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play word search?
Every word from the list is hidden in the grid along a straight line — across, down or diagonally, and sometimes backwards. Press on the first letter of a word and drag to the last letter; when the line matches a hidden word it stays highlighted and gets crossed off the list. Find them all to finish.
Which directions can words run?
Words can run left-to-right, top-to-bottom and along both diagonals. On harder settings they can also run backwards — right-to-left or bottom-to-top — so it pays to check a promising line in both directions.
What are the controls?
On a computer, click the first letter, hold, drag to the last letter and release. On a phone or tablet, press and drag with your finger. The cells between your start and end light up as a preview so you can line the word up before you let go.
Are the puzzles always solvable?
Yes — every listed word is genuinely placed in the grid, and only real placements count, so the random filler letters can never trick you into a false match. Every word on the list can be found.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The whole puzzle runs on your device and your progress is saved in your browser only. There is no account and nothing is sent to Zerdly.
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