How to enter a pattern
- Count the squares in the answer.
- Type one character per square: the letter if you know it, ? if you don't.
- Read the results and tap a word to see its meaning, then compare it with the clue.
- Use Filters to leave out letters you have ruled out.
For example, ?A?E? (five letters, A second, E fourth) matches 406 words in our list. Q???K matches QUACK, QUARK, QUICK, QUIRK.
Getting the most from crossing letters
- Fill short answers first. Three- and four-letter answers give you crossing letters for the long ones.
- Vowels narrow things fast. A single known vowel in the middle can cut hundreds of options to a few dozen.
- Watch the clue's tense and number. A plural clue usually means an answer ending in S. A past-tense clue often ends in ED.
- Check the meaning. Many patterns fit several words. The short meaning helps you pick the one that matches the clue.
What this solver does and doesn't do
It matches single words to a pattern of letters. It does not read clues or look up answers from published crosswords, and it does not cover phrases or proper names, which crosswords sometimes use. Results come from ENABLE, an open word list; read more on our word list. If you know the length but no letters, the word lists by length are a better start.
Questions people ask
How do I show an unknown letter?
Type a question mark. A dot works too. Each one stands for exactly one square.
Why is my answer missing?
Crossword answers can be names, abbreviations or phrases, which our word list does not include. Single dictionary words are covered.
How long can a pattern be?
Up to 15 squares, the width of a standard crossword grid.
Can I solve by clue?
Not yet. Enter the pattern from the grid, then use the short meanings to match the clue.