Overlapping and Crossing Words in a Word Search

In most puzzles, words cross and share letters. This is a clue you can use.

Why words overlap

A grid has limited space, so words are placed so that they share letters where they cross. A puzzle with many words has many crossings.

How to use it

When you find one word, look at its letters. A letter you have just used may belong to another word too.

An example

If you find MOON running across, look at each letter:

• Is there an N that starts a word going down, such as NIGHT?
• Is there an O in the middle of FLOOR or ROOM?

Letters in a hidden word

Some letters in a found word feel "extra". The crossing often leads to a second, hidden word.

Look for clusters

If a part of the grid is dense with unused letters, there are probably words there. Unused areas often hold the last words.

Word lists help

If you are stuck, scan the list for words that share letters with the one you just found.

Don't count on it

A word does not have to overlap. Some words sit alone in a corner. Use crossings as a hint, not a rule.

Filling the gaps

As you find words, mentally mark the cells used. The remaining cells will contain the rest. Cut down what you have to search.

Tips

1. Check the letters of each found word.
2. Look for dense, unused areas.
3. Do not rely on overlap alone.

Relax with an endless word search in Crossword - Word Search Game →