Word Search rules questions
Short, exact answers to the Word Search rules people most often look up — each one matches how the game is actually scored here.
Can words run backwards or diagonally in Word Search?
Yes. Words run in all eight straight directions: across, up and down, and diagonally, forwards or backwards. You can select either end of a word first.
Read the full answer →What does a hint show in Word Search?
A hint marks the first letter of one unfound word without finding it for you. Each word can be hinted once, and the mark stays until you find the word.
Read the full answer →How many words do you find in Word Search?
Eight. Every puzzle is an 8 by 8 letter grid that hides eight words from one theme, and finding all eight completes it. There is no timer.
Read the full answer →Which themes does Word Search have?
Six: Animals, Food, Garden, Ocean, Space and Travel. Each has its own word list, and another puzzle in the same theme deals a fresh grid.
Read the full answer →Is Word Search timed, and is there a leaderboard?
No. There is no timer, daily mode or public leaderboard. Your progress and hints are saved in this browser when storage is available.
Read the full answer →Does it matter which copy of a word I select?
No. Any straight run of letters that spells a listed word counts, even if the same letters also appear somewhere else in the grid.
Read the full answer →Play Word Search free →Your game is saved in this browser. No sign-up.