GUIDE · WORD SEARCH

Word search tips: how to find hidden words faster

Practical word search strategies: scan for rare letters, check all eight directions, use word shapes and endings, and work through the grid systematically.

By Word Search Games Inc. · Updated 3 November 2026

The short answer

To find words faster, stop reading the grid and start scanning it. Look for a distinctive letter from the word you need, then check the eight directions around each match. The tips below build on that habit.

1. Start with the rarest letter

Instead of hunting for the first letter, look for the least common letter in the word. Q, Z, X, J and K appear far less often than E or A, so each one you spot is a strong lead. For EQUATOR, look for the Q.

2. Check all eight directions

Once you find a candidate letter, check its neighbours in every direction: left, right, up, down and the four diagonals. Many puzzles also hide words backwards. Train yourself to check the second letter in all eight spots before you move on.

3. Look for doubled letters and familiar shapes

Pairs such as LL, EE, OO and SS stand out in a field of letters, and so do common endings like -ING, -ED and -TION. Spotting the pattern first can lead you straight back to the start of the word.

4. Scan systematically

Work through the grid in strips, a row or column at a time, rather than letting your eyes wander. Systematic scanning means you will not check the same corner over and over while missing the opposite side.

5. Tackle long words early

Long words have more letters to anchor on, and they cross more of the grid. Finding them early clears a lot of letters from your attention, which makes the short words easier to see.

6. Take your time

Word search is more satisfying, and often faster, when you are relaxed. Our Word Search game has no timer and no lives system, so you can step away from a puzzle and come back to it with fresh eyes. You can also play Word Search free in your browser.

Practise with Word Search

Word Search is a free word search puzzle game for iPhone and iPad, published by Word Search Games Inc. It was first released on the App Store on 19 March 2018. A browser version is also available to play online. See how Word Search plays.