Pick a theme and find every word from the list hidden in the grid. Words run in straight lines in any of eight directions. Free, no ads.
How to play Word Search
1
Pick a theme
Choose a category like Animals, Fruits, Countries, Space, Ocean, or Sports. The word list for that theme appears beside the grid, and every word is hidden somewhere in the letters.
2
Find each word from the list
Read down the word list and hunt for each one in the grid. Every listed word is hidden as a straight, unbroken line of letters.
3
Look in all eight directions
Words run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and they can read forward or backward. That is eight possible directions for any word, so check every angle.
4
Select the first and last letter
To mark a word, select its first letter and then its last letter. If the line between them spells a word on the list, it locks in and gets crossed off.
5
Find them all to win
Clear every word on the list and the puzzle is solved. Then switch the theme for a brand new grid and word list.
Tips & strategy
•Scan row by row for the first letter of each word, then check whether the rest of the word runs out from it in any direction.
•Do not forget diagonals and backward words. New players miss half the board by only looking left to right and top to bottom.
•Knock out the long words first. They take up more of the grid and are easier to spot once you train your eye on them.
•Uncommon letters like Q, J, X, and Z almost always give a word away. If a word has one, find that letter first and the word is usually right there.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play word search?
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Pick a theme to load a grid and a word list. Find each word from the list hidden in the grid as a straight line, then select its first letter and its last letter to mark it. Words can run in any of eight directions, including diagonal and backward. Find every word to win.
Do words go diagonally and backward?
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Yes. Words run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and any of those can read forward or backward. That is eight possible directions, so a word may be hidden upside down or running corner to corner.
Is Melio Word Search free?
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Yes. It is completely free, with no ads and no account needed. Play as many themed puzzles as you like, right in your browser.
Can I pick the theme?
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Yes. Choose from themed word lists like Animals, Fruits, Countries, Space, Ocean, and Sports. Each theme generates a fresh grid with its own set of hidden words.
Is there a timer?
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No countdown clock. Word Search is a relaxed puzzle, so take as long as you want to find every word. Switch themes any time for a new grid.