From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the Bible reference software, see WORDsearch.
A word search find bij scender bengaji, word find, word seek, word sleuth or mystery word puzzle is a word game that consists of the letters of words placed in a grid, which usually has a rectangular or square shape. The objective of this puzzle is to find and mark all the words hidden inside the box. The words may be placed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Often a list of the hidden words is provided, but more challenging puzzles may not provide a list. Many word search puzzles have a theme to which all the hidden words are related such as food, animals, or colors. The puzzles have, like crosswords and arrowords, become very popular. Also in common with these latter puzzles, have had complete books and mobile applications devoted to them.
Strategies[edit]
A common strategy for finding all the words is to go through the puzzle left to right (or right to left) and look for the first letter of the word (if a word list is provided). After finding the letter, one should look at the eight surrounding letters to see whether the next letter of the word is there. One can then continue this method until the entire word is found.
Another strategy is to look for ‘outstanding’ letters within the word one is searching for (if a word list is provided). Since most word searches use capital letters, it is easiest to spot the letters that stand out from others. These letters include Q, J, X, and Z.
Lastly, the strategy of looking for double letters in the word being searched for (if a word list is provided) proves helpful, because it is easier to spot two identical letters side-by-side than to search for two different letters.
If a word list is not provided, a way to find words is to go row by row. First, all the horizontal rows should be read both backwards and forwards, then the vertical, and so on. Sometimes the puzzle itself will help. The puzzles generated by a computer tend to put words in patterns. Furthermore, the bigger the words and the more words, the easier they are to spot. In some computer-generated puzzles, if the person solving the puzzle sees one word, all they have to do to find more is to look in adjacent rows, columns, or diagonals. The puzzle might use every row, column, or diagonal—or just every other row, column, or diagonal.
History[edit]
The word search puzzle (also known as WordSeek, WordFind, WonderWord, etc.) was originally designed and published by Norman E. Gibat in the Selenby Digest on March 1, 1968, in Norman, Oklahoma, although the Spanish puzzle creator Pedro Ocón de Oro was publishing «Sopas de letras» (Spanish «Soup of Letters») before that date.[citation needed]There is a very likely possibility James Patrick Carr of Villa Grove, Illinois created this puzzle before 1968. Pat Carr had titled the puzzles «Slate R Straight» and was stolen by a copyright/patent company he sent the puzzle idea to. There is proof predating Gibats 1968 of PC’s puzzles in Villa Grove High School sporting event brochures.
Selenby was a small want-ad digest distributed free at Safeway and other stores in the town. The original page size is 8.5 by 5.5 inches.
The puzzle was very popular locally and several more followed this original. Some teachers in the Norman schools asked for reprints to use in their classes. One teacher sent them around the country to various friends in other schools. Undoubtedly one of these scattered copies eventually led somebody to sell the idea to a syndicator.
Word search puzzles have been popular on the internet with Facebook games such as the 2013 Letters of Gold. Other digital and tabletop word search games include A Way with Words, Boggle, Bookworm, Letterpress, Ruzzle, Wonderword, Wordament, WordSpot and Word Streak with Friends.
Secret messages[edit]
Sometimes secret messages are hidden in the word search.[1] In one variation, the secret message is created by all the words that are written backwards in the puzzle. In another variation, the secret message is created by the letters that are not used in any word within the puzzle. This variation is more common in more difficult puzzles where most letters are used. Kappa Publishing is well known for this. Their Magazines are called «The Magazine with the Last Message» or other saying that is related.
Another type of word search puzzle contains a trivia question at the bottom. Like a traditional word search puzzle, words from a word list must be circled or crossed through in the puzzle. There is also one or more extra word or phrase hidden in the puzzle that is not in the word list. This word or phrase usually answers the trivia question at the bottom of the page.
Snaking puzzles[edit]
Some word search puzzles are snaking puzzles, in which the word is not a straight vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line, but «bends» at 90 degrees at any given letter. These are much more difficult than conventional puzzles. The difficulty level is further heightened when the next letter can be at 45 degrees, and using the same letter more than once is permitted, too. Snaking puzzles either hide words in a random fashion, or are designed to trace out a path in a definite shape, like a square, rectangle, horseshoe, or donut.[2]
Teaching[edit]
Word search puzzles are often used in a teaching or classroom environment, especially in language and foreign language classrooms. Some teachers, particularly those specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL), use word search puzzles as an instructional tool. Other teachers use them as a recreational activity for students, instead. They also use them as April Fool’s Day Pranks. The word searches involve no words.
On a more advanced level, word searches are good ways to demonstrate the use of searching algorithms.
See also[edit]
- Wordament
- Word Puzzle
- Word polygon
- Crossword
- Sudoku
References[edit]
- ^ Radadiya, D. «Word Search». Word Search. Net. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
- ^ «Word search shapes».
External links[edit]
Word Search at Curlie
For many years I have enjoyed puzzling over a Word Search. I would curl up on the couch or in bed, or sometimes even sit at the kitchen table, for hours, hunting down the elusive words featured on the puzzle’s list. During those times, I gave little thought to the how and why of Word Search. Its objective and purpose did not mean much to me. All I knew was that it meant hours of quiet enjoyment for me, and that was enough.
I was recently asked about the actual object and purpose of the puzzle and felt it was worth giving it a bit of thought. I discovered the general meaning, objective, purpose, as well as benefits of Word Search.
- Word Search is a word puzzle, invented in 1968 by Norman E. Gibat, that involves searching for words in a grid of letters.
- The objective of Word Search is to locate a list of words hidden on a grid. As each of the words is located, they are circled on the grid and then struck from the list.
- The purpose of Word Search is to be entertained as well as educated. Of course, finding all the words means that the puzzle is “solved”.
There are many benefits of Word Search, from improving spelling and vocabulary to reducing stress and improving context clue fluency.
These are just the summarized points pertaining to what a Word Search is, what its objective is, and what its purpose is. There’s always more to the story, isn’t there? If these points have piqued your interest and you want to learn more about Word Search, simply read on. Below I go into a bit more detail on each of the abovementioned points.
Word Search: What it is all about!
What is doing a Word Search all about? What is the draw, so to speak? Doing a Word Search should be somewhat of a ritual – at least it is for me. How do you make Word Search a ritual, you ask?
You find a comfortable spot. You have the puzzle, your pen/pencil, and quietness all on the ready. You make yourself comfy and fully engross yourself in the task for as long as it takes. For me, that is what a Word Search puzzle is all about. It is about disconnecting from the rest of the world and getting lost in the words. Most of all, it is about expanding my mind while completely relaxing and unwinding. When I was a kid, my parents used to describe this behavior as “being in the Word Search zone” – and they were right!
Ok! You might be wondering, but what exactly is Word Search. Well, it is a word puzzle that came out in the 1960s.
In Spain, it is known as “Sopa de Letras” (which means Soup of Letters), and it was first publicized by Pedro Ocón de Oro in the 1960s. In North America, it was first published by Norman E. Gibat in 1968 in his Selenby Digest. At the time, Gibat hoped that the puzzle would drum up some new interest in his digest, and it certainly did. It was not long before teachers were requesting extra copies of the digest and the puzzle to give to kids in the classroom, and before too long, word of the puzzle had spread. And as they say, “the rest is history”.
Let’s talk about the underlying objective of the Word Search puzzle. Above, I mentioned that the objective of Word Search is to locate a list of words hidden on a grid of letters. The grid consists of what appears to be a selection of jumbled letters, but if you look closely, you will find certain words nestled in between these letters. The more you do Word Search, the easier it seems to be become finding those hidden words.
The main objective of the game is to consult with a list of words supplied with the grid, and find all the words on that list. The puzzle is usually given a theme, and the words on the list typically fit in with this particular theme. Puzzlers must spend time investigating the grid and applying various strategies to locate the words on the grid and circle them.
The strategies are not complex; in fact, they are quite simple. One can methodically look through each row horizontally and vertically as one strategy. Another strategy is to focus on finding words on the grid and then locating them on the list (working in reverse order). Once the words are circled on the grid, they must be marked off on the list.
Of course, when there is a mystery Word Search puzzle at hand, the objective is similar, but not quite the same. Instead of a list of words being provided, the puzzler must focus on the theme of the Word Search and then hunt for hidden words in the grid that pertain to that particular theme. The objective of this particular type of Word Search is not to find listed words, but to find words that are hidden instead.
What is the Purpose of Word Search?
You might be wondering if there is any real purpose to Word Search puzzles and other word puzzles too. The truth is that there is – which is good news, right? It is not just about passing the time, but also about deriving some enjoyment and benefits from it. Just like many other games and puzzles, there is always a purpose. Most of these word games and puzzles are designed to provide entertainment, but that is not all. Other purposes included:
- Creating the opportunity for families and peers to bond.
- Educating people or teaching a new skill.
Of course, Word Search puzzles cater to both of these purposes. Generally speaking, the purpose of Word Search is to entertain, educate, and bring people together. I can quite confidently say that it has done each of these things in my life.
What are the Benefits of Word Search?
Are there any benefits to doing Word Search puzzles on a regular basis? Yes, there is, but the catch is that you do actually have to solve them or work on them regularly in order to enjoy these benefits.
Something that has been noticed is that people who do Word Search puzzles, both young and old, enjoy a variety of benefits. These benefits are simply undeniable, and if you are looking to add value to your life, doing regular Word Search puzzles is the way to go. You can solve them alone, with your partner, or even as a family or group of friends. It can be something done in quiet time, or it can be a social activity – Word Search is quite versatile in that way. Doing Word Search puzzles is always fun.
Below are a few of the benefits of regularly solving Word Search puzzles:
- You enjoy a sense of achievement or accomplishment when all the words are found.
- Time spent doing Word Search puzzles is time away from screens and social media. If you want less screen time for yourself or the kids, Word Search is the way to go.
- You get to expand your mind by learning new words (bigger vocab) and learning how to spell them. A bigger vocab and better spelling skills mean good things for your future prospects.
- You get to relax, unwind, and minimize stress levels.
- You get to have fun.
- The more Word Search puzzles you do, the more advanced your context clue fluency will become. You will be able to tie concepts, ideas, and conversations together with greater ease. This means that Word Search puzzles actually improve communication.
These are just a few of the benefits of doing Word Search puzzles. If you take the time to really delve into the benefits, especially for kids, you might find that it gives them something to look forward to and is a good confidence booster too.
Last Word
As an avid puzzler, it is easy for me to say that Word Search is the obvious choice for those looking for a word game or puzzle.
The best thing to do, now that you know the objective, purpose, and benefits, is to get your hands on a Word Search or two, and try it out for yourself. You will find a variety of Word Search puzzles online free to download and print. Alternatively, you can buy a puzzle book or even download an app on your mobile device from your relevant app store. Whichever way you get your Word Search to test, just focus on relaxing and enjoying it. Good luck!
Millions of people play word search puzzles every day. That includes games like Words With Friends, Scrabble, Word Blitz, Wordle, and more. Whether you’re interested in boosting your brainpower, beating your friends, or just passing the time, word search puzzle games are a one-size-fits-all solution.
Are you ready to take your word puzzle skills to the next level? We’re here to help. In this article, you will learn:
— General rules of Word Search games
— How to solve Word Searches fast
— How to Cheat on Word Search (if you’re into that)
— Where to play Word Search games from your iPhone or Android
— … And much more.
Continue reading to learn how to become a Word Search expert overnight.
Rules of Word Search Games
There are thousands of word puzzle games available online, in books, and in newspapers. However, most word solver games have a similar goal: find the most words you can in the fastest amount of time. With that in mind, every game is different.
If it’s a crossword puzzle, you must find the “hidden” words in a grid either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Sometimes crossword puzzle games provide an answer key that gives some type of hint about the words you’re searching for or a word list to look for. However, more advanced options don’t typically provide as much help.
Next to puzzle games, board game-like word search solvers are the most popular. Word solver games like Scrabble Go, Words With Friends, WordFeud, Wordscapes, etc. are all a bit different, but also share a few similarities, including:
— Board game style
— Played head-to-head (usually up to four players) or on teams
— Starts with blank tiles that players use to make words from their scrambled letter tiles
— Ends with adding up all scoring words played by each person and the highest score wins
More recently, games like Wordle have introduced new ways to test your vocabulary, grasp of the English language, and word game wizardry.
What is The Fastest Way to Solve a Word Search?
Word search games are typically fun, relaxing, and enlightening. However, sometimes, it’s challenging to find a new word or find words from the word lists. With that in mind, we’ve provided a few tips below that should help you find possible words faster, so you can win your next word feud.
- Don’t pay attention to the word list when you begin. Instead, attempt to find possible words, prefixes, and suffixes that stand out. Then, use the word list.
- Broaden your word search. Search for multiple words while you scan the board. Don’t get stuck trying to find one word.
- If you can’t find any new words, try looking at the puzzle from a different angle (i.e., upside down, sideways, standing up, etc.)
- Most newbies to word search puzzle games start with looking for the first letter in a word. That can work for easier words. However, when you’re against a very difficult-to-find word, it can help to look for the last two to three letters a word ends with.
- Experiment as much as possible with new words, possible words, prefixes, suffixes, etc. This is especially helpful for games like Official Scrabble or Words With Friends.
The tips mentioned above can help you win just about any word puzzle board game. However, there will be times when you’re tempted to cheat. That’s especially true if you’re playing a head-to-head word search game against a wordsmith.
Learn how to cheat in Word search games below.
How Do You Cheat on a Word Search?
If you’re tired of losing word search or word solver board games, here’s a secret: A lot of people cheat. Whether you decide to take the shorter path to victory is up to you, but just in case you’re wondering, here’s how to cheat in word search games:
— Use a word generator
— Open a Scrabble cheat or Scrabble dictionary app on your phone
— Plug your puzzle or scrambled letters into a word unscrambler
— Find the best anagram solver for the game you’re playing
— Check the game’s advanced options to see if it provides in-game cheats
The word finder cheat that’s best depends on the game you’re playing and exactly how much you want to cheat. We encourage fair play, but we also encourage winning. So, do what you have to do to make it to the top.
Is There a WordSearch Solver?
Yes. There are countless free WordSearch solvers available online. A few of the most popular WordSearch solvers include, but are not limited to:
— Scrabble Word Finder
— Word Search Solver
— Word Finder X
— The Word Solver
Is There an App to Help with Word Searches?
In addition to the anagram solvers, scrabble cheats, and word generators mentioned in the previous section, many apps are available to help you solve word puzzles. You can easily find them by searching in the Apple App iOS store or Google Play store. Just type in phrases like:
— Word search solver
— Word puzzle help
— Free word puzzle solver
— Word unscrambler
Now that you know the basics of word search games, you’re ready to start playing. Check out the next section for the best online word search games you can play from your phone.
Where Can I Find the Best Word Search Games for iPhone & Android?
It can take a while to find the best word search games for iPhone or Android. That’s why we’ve put together a carefully curated list of the best word search games available in the app store below.
Best Word Search Games for Adults
Word solver games that are easy and fun but require a bit of brainpower to master are what most adults are looking for. They’re a great way to keep your brain engaged while not draining too much energy. Some of the best include:
— WordStorm — Solve word puzzles for rewards
— Word Leaderz — A great game to build your vocabulary list
— Cross The Word — A relaxing and fun crossword puzzle game
— Word Bee Blitz — A unique word finder game that’s sure to keep you entertained
— Word Race — Make words by drawing the letters; it’s simple but addictive
Best Word Search Games Like Scrabble
Games that share some characteristics with Classic Scrabble and Scrabble Go, but with a delightful twist, include:
— Wordplay Adventure — A modern twist on word puzzle games; thinkTetris meets Scrabble
— Word Cube — Fast, fun, and simple Scrabble-like game, but challenging to master
— Winning With Words — Show off your vocabulary skills against others for prizes
— Word Star — Play head-to-head against the best wordsmiths in the world
Best Word Search Games that Pay Real Money and Prizes
Are you tired of beating the computer and ready to test your wordplay skills against real competition? In that case, these games are for you. Challenge others in head-to-head word battles for real prizes and cash rewards (where available).
— Word Blitz — The most popular Word Game in the app store, play for real rewards
— Real Money Word Search — Multiplayer word search game for real money
— Focus On Words: Real Money — Swap letters and unscramble words for cash prizes
— Hyperspace Word Race — Test how fast you can find words against real competition
— Wordie — eSports Word Game — Similar to Boggle, but much better. Play for real rewards
— Prize Crossword — Multi-player crossword game with cash prizes
Good luck in your journey to becoming a world-class lexophile. The better you get, the more chances you’ll have to win prizes, rewards, and real cash. Get started today!
Word Search
Word Search is a fun vocabulary game that will test your student’s knowledge of English words. In this game you can play the 1 player version or 2 player version where teams battle to find the most words first before their time runs out.
Level: Young learners (A2), teens and Adults (A2 – B1)There are two modes – “Classic” which takes words from all the different categories or categories. This can be played in 1 player or 2 player modes. There are currently 9 different category of words (with more coming soon).
Custom mode allows the teacher to create their own size and category for students. This is a great way to make games easier or more challenging.
How to Play?
- Students can be put in teams or play against each other.
- Each student/team takes a turn to try and get a high score.
- The most words found is the winner.
More Vocabulary Activities like Word Search
Check out our other vocabulary activities for young learners, teens and adults!
ESL Say It! – A simple no prep warmer/cooler or quick break for students. In this activity students have to say a word from a category that begins with a letter.
ESL Wordle – based in the popular English word game but with 8 categories to make the game easier to be played by language learners
ESL Guess Who – Practice describing people with this fun online game.
MIXUP – A simple quick fire vocabulary game. How many words can you guess in 90 seconds?
Word Wheel – Get class started with this fun vocabulary challenge. In this game students try and guess what the nine letter word is while also making words using the letters and the key letter. The team with the most words and points will win!
Learn to tell the time – Practice reading the setting the time with this fun interactive game to practice telling the time.
ESL Scattergories! – A classic quick thinking vocabulary where students need to think of vocabulary quickly to get the most words beginning with a letter.
Scattagories for Kids! – Now play with young learner and lower level students in this simplified version of our classic game.
Name 5! – Name 5! is a simple no prep vocabulary warmer. In this activity students need to say a number of words based on a range of topics. Can your students beat the clock!
5 Seconds! – Students need to say 3 words from a random category in 5 seconds to score a point.
Guess the Word – A fun game to practice reading, spelling and vocabulary. Students read the definition and try and guess what the word is. Ideal for A2 level students. 11 categories of words to practice with.
2 Pictures 1 Compound – Can you guess the closed compounds nouns from the pictures? Practice guessing the compounds nouns with this fun interactive game.
Interactive Board Games – Practice speaking, grammar and vocabulary with these interactive online board games. New board games added regularly.
ESL Vocabulary Fortunes – An online game for teens and adults that is a great way to practice vocabulary on a large number of topics.
Animal Vocabulary Games – Practice animals with these four interactive online games. These fun games are a great way to revise animal vocabulary with your students.
Fruit and Vegetables – Practice vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation with this fun interactive word game.
Animals – Practice animal vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation with this fun interactive game.
Story Dice – Get your students making and telling stories with this fun online story tool.
ESL Countdown – Practice vocabulary and spelling with countdown.
Anagram Word Game – A simple word game. Suitable for teens and adults with an intermediate and above level of English.
Word Unscramble – Practice vocabulary and spelling with this unscramble game for young learners.
ESL Category Generator – Generate categories to get your students practicing vocabulary. Great activity to be used with a ball or in online classes to get students thinking at the start of class as a warmer.
Trivia Quiz Generator – Generate quizzes quickly with this simple tool. Ideal for teens and adults intermediate and above.
Random Letter Generator – Generate random letters from the alphabet with this simple letter generating tool.
ESL Idiom Generator – Generate over 100 of the most common English language idioms. Get students to draw or mime out the idioms as a way to introduce them to the most common idioms in English.
Random Noun Generator – Randomly generate over 200 of the most common nouns in the English Language. Great for Pictionary and other end of the class coolers.
Catchphrase – A quick fire word game where students explain as many words as they can within the time limit.
Pictionary – Automatically generate words from three different levels of difficulty and play Pictionary with your students in a flash.
ESL Boggle – Boggle is a great warmer that can be used in the classroom. With this online version get students writing words to be the top of the class.
ESL Quizzes – Our Quizzes are a great way to end class and practice key vocabulary for a wide range of themes. Check back regularly as we are adding new quizzes regularly.
Visit our YouTube channel for new games weekly
Free Online Word Search Puzzles
A word search puzzle is a game to find hidden words in a grid of jumbled letters. These puzzles are a great way to:
- Build mental strength
- Help children learn names, places & more
- Have fun with words!
How To Play
- Click on the first letter of any one of the hidden words listed on the right side of the page. Then drag the cursor till all the letters in the word are highlighted.
- Words may be found in any direction, even listed backwards in the puzzle.
- The faster you find the words, the higher you score.
Tips To Play Better
- Find the first letter of a hidden word; then look at the surrounding letters to check if it forms a line of letters.
- If it is a compound word, it can be helpful to look for its part in your hidden word list. For example, if you are looking for the word «mailman», try to find the words «mail» or «man» first and that will make it easier to find the word you want.
Why Word Search
Play word search games and puzzles to learn new words and test your spelling abilities. These help children expand their vocabulary and learn the names of historical persons, important places and more. Best, online word search games and puzzles are super fun!
Play word search games to:
- Improve your mental ability
- Learn new languages
- Improve your vocabulary
Use our word search maker to create your own games and puzzles!
