Word search maker

Type a list of words, pick a difficulty and print a word search puzzle with its answer key. Use your spelling list, this week's vocabulary or a holiday theme. Free and unlimited.

Worksheet titleWords one per line, up to 30. Spaces and punctuation are removed in the grid.

Difficulty

Adds diagonals

Grid size Lowercase letters (easier for young readers) Show the word list Add an answer key page

To save as PDF, choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog.

Preview

Autumn word search

Name ____________________ Date __________

Find and circle each word. Words go across, down and diagonally.

RRFWBOPLJAGROLEAVESDJGUEBWPUMPKINMETMHSTMVYBOTGAUPUHAKKJASVENMWINGABAECWYJNWWAOBVVNSYMBSCHHRARRYUGWNOWJACAOMSWUDEBULNHCSSCARECROWCAPLPWUAPPLEJDRYIBTWKSIWONMDTSQUIRRELVNI

autumn
leaves
pumpkin
harvest
acorn
scarecrow
apple
sweater
squirrel
orchard

Answer key

RRFWBOPLJAGROLEAVESDJGUEBWPUMPKINMETMHSTMVYBOTGAUPUHAKKJASVENMWINGABAECWYJNWWAOBVVNSYMBSCHHRARRYUGWNOWJACAOMSWUDEBULNHCSSCARECROWCAPLPWUAPPLEJDRYIBTWKSIWONMDTSQUIRRELVNI

Tips for using it

Match the difficulty to the reader

Easy puts words only across and down, which suits kindergarten to grade 2, especially with lowercase letters. Medium adds diagonals. Hard lets words run backwards, which keeps older students busy.

Keep the list short for young children

Eight to ten words on a 10 × 10 grid is plenty for early readers. Older students can handle 20 or more words on a 15 × 15 grid.

Make it review, not just a time-filler

Use the words from this week's spelling list or unit vocabulary. After the puzzle, ask students to write a sentence with three of the words they found.

Questions

Is the word search maker free?

Yes. It's free and unlimited, with no sign-up. Puzzles are made in your browser.

Does it make an answer key?

Yes. Tick Add an answer key page and the solution prints on its own page with every word highlighted.

Can I get a different puzzle with the same words?

Yes. Click New puzzle to place the words in new positions.

What if a word doesn't fit?

The maker tells you which words it couldn't place. Choose a bigger grid, remove a few words or click New puzzle to try again. Words longer than 20 letters can't fit.

Can I use phrases?

Yes. Spaces and punctuation are removed in the grid, so “ice cream” is hidden as ICECREAM, while the word list still shows it with the space.

How do I save it as a PDF?

Click Print worksheet and choose “Save as PDF” as the printer.

More free worksheets

For older students: turn a reading passage into a practice quiz or make vocabulary flashcards.