Word Search Maker
Make a free word search from any list of words in seconds. Type your spelling or vocabulary words, choose a level and size, and print it with an answer key – or play it right on the smartboard.
There are also seven ready-made word searches on space, animals, weather, the human body, world geography, US geography and math words. Easy puzzles only run left-to-right and down, so they suit younger students; Hard hides words in every direction, including backwards.
How to use it in class
- Pick your words. Choose a theme at the top, or tap “Make your own” and type one word per line. Your list is saved on this device.
- Choose a level. Easy: across and down only. Medium adds diagonals. Hard uses every direction, including backwards.
- Choose a size. Small, Medium or Large. The grid always grows to fit your longest word.
- Play it on the board. Drag across a word, or tap its first letter and then its last – handy on smartboards. Found words are circled and crossed off the list.
- Print it. Print gives a clean puzzle with a name and date line. “Print answers” prints the answer key with every word circled. “New puzzle” mixes the same words into a fresh grid.
Classroom ideas
Spelling words
Turn this week’s spelling list into a word search for homework or morning work, with a different grid for each table so nobody can copy.
Vocabulary warm-up
Put a unit’s key terms on the board and have teams race to find them. Ask each team to use one word in a sentence when they find it.
Early finishers
Keep a stack of printed puzzles at Medium or Hard for students who finish early.
Frequently asked questions
Is this word search maker free?
Yes. It’s free with no sign-up, and you can print as many puzzles as you like.
How many words can I use?
Up to 30. Between 8 and 15 words fits nicely on one printed page. Any word that won’t fit is listed so you can choose a bigger size.
Can I print an answer key?
Yes. Tap “Print answers” for a copy with every hidden word circled.
Can words have spaces?
Spaces and dashes are removed, so “sea lion” is hidden as SEALION.
Is my word list saved?
Yes, in your browser on this device only. It’s never uploaded.