How to play word search online
By Reggie J·Updated
What is a word search?
A word search is a puzzle made of a square grid of letters with a list of words hidden inside it. The goal is to find and mark every word on the list. Words run in straight lines — across, down or diagonally — and on harder puzzles they can also read backwards.
Word searches are sometimes called word finds, word seeks or wordsearch puzzles. They need no special knowledge — if you can read the list, you can solve the puzzle — which is why they are a favourite for quiet breaks, waiting rooms and family tables. Online, the grid marks words for you, so there is no pencil to lose.
How do you play? Step by step
- Pick a puzzle. Choose today’s daily puzzle, a theme, or a difficulty level.
- Read the word list. The words to find are listed beside (or below) the grid.
- Select a word. Drag across the letters of a word, or tap its first letter and then its last letter.
- Watch it highlight. Found words stay highlighted in the grid and are crossed off the list.
- Finish at your pace. There is no timer. Your progress is saved on this device.
With a mouse, click and hold on the first letter and drag to the last one. If dragging feels awkward — on a small touchscreen or with an unsteady hand — the tap-tap method is easier: select the first letter, then the last letter, and the word is checked automatically. If your selection is not on the list, nothing happens — there is no penalty for a wrong guess.
What are the difficulty levels?
Every puzzle on Words at Rest uses one of four layouts. The grid size, number of words and allowed directions change from level to level:
| Level | Grid | Words | Word directions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 10×10 | 10 | Across and down (forwards only) | A gentle warm-up, beginners, tired eyes |
| Medium | 12×12 | 14 | Across, down and diagonal (no backwards) | Regular solvers who want a little more |
| Hard | 15×15 | 18 | All eight directions, including backwards | Experienced puzzlers who like a real search |
| Large print | 9×9 | 8 | Across and down only, extra-large letters | Seniors, low vision, phones and tablets |
If you are new to word searches, start with easy or large print. Move to medium once you can finish an easy grid without help, and try hard when you want a longer search.
How do I make the letters bigger?
Press Large print above any grid for bigger letters and a list that is easier to read. The setting is remembered on your device. You can also use your browser’s zoom (Ctrl and + on Windows, Cmd and + on a Mac, or pinch to zoom on a phone) at any time. For the most comfortable experience, our large print puzzles use a smaller 9×9 grid and only eight words.
Solving tips
- Scan for unusual letters first — Q, Z, X, J and K stand out quickly.
- Look for double letters such as “LL” or “EE”.
- Find the longest words first; short words are easier once the grid thins out.
- Work one row at a time, then one column at a time.
- On hard puzzles, remember to read right to left and bottom to top.
- Take a break if you get stuck — fresh eyes find hidden words faster.
Ready? Try today’s daily puzzle or browse all themes.
How to play: frequently asked questions
How do you play word search on a phone or tablet?
Tap the first letter of the word, then tap its last letter — the letters in between are selected for you. You can also drag your finger across the word. If the letters feel small, press Large print above the grid for bigger letters.
Can words go backwards or diagonally?
It depends on the level. On easy puzzles every word reads forwards, across or down. Medium puzzles add diagonal words. Hard puzzles hide words in all eight directions, including backwards, upwards and diagonally upwards. Large print puzzles only use across and down.
Is there a time limit?
No. None of our puzzles has a timer, score or countdown. You can stop at any point; progress is saved in your browser on this device, so you can come back later and pick up where you left off.
What if I can’t find the last word?
Take a short break and come back with fresh eyes — it works surprisingly often. Then scan one row at a time, look for the word’s rarest letter, and on harder puzzles remember to read right to left and bottom to top.
Can letters be shared between two words?
Yes. Words can cross each other and share a letter, just like in a printed word search. A letter that is already highlighted can still be part of another word, so do not skip it when you scan.