How does this crossword solver work?

Use pattern search when you know some letter positions, contains search when you only know which letters appear somewhere in the answer, and the daily crossword for compact puzzle practice.

Can I use it for short and long crossword answers?

Yes. Pattern search works especially well when you know the answer length, whether the entry is short or long.

Crossword solver — find answers by pattern and letters

← Crossword PathToolsCrossword solverpattern · contains · clues

Best first move

Start with the exact shape.

Pattern search is strongest when you already have reliable crossings. It respects answer length and letter positions, turning a vague clue into a shortlist you can test against the grid.

Open a mode

Patterns?o?eopen Containsknown lettersopen Clueshint indexopen

§ 1 · Pattern search

Use pattern search when you know positions.

If you know the answer is five letters and starts with S and ends with E, search that exact shape instead of scrolling through broad word lists.

§ 2 · Contains search

Use contains search when your information is weaker.

Sometimes you know which letters appear somewhere in the answer, but not their exact positions. Contains search is looser, but it can still surface the right vocabulary while the grid is only partly filled.

§ 3 · Ranking

A good solver is also a ranking tool.

Matching letters is only half the job. The other half is showing normal, crossword-useful words ahead of obscure dictionary edge cases. Curated clues and frequency signals help with that.

§ 4 · Practice

Daily practice makes the solver better too.

Compact grids teach clue tone, short connector words, and familiar answer patterns. Use search when you stall and the daily crossword as regular practice.

Play daily crossword

Crossword Path · Crossword solverOpen pattern search ↑