crossword solver
Crossword Puzzle Solver
Solve crossword puzzle solver clues with known letters, blank spots, and length filters. Use the controls below and get usable answers without leaving the page.
Use ? for unknown letters, like c?a?? Not sure what to enter? Use the Sample button to load a realistic puzzle.
Enter letters or a pattern, or click Sample to see how this tool narrows a real puzzle.
You're not stuck on just one clue - you're working through an entire puzzle grid and need help with multiple entries. This tool is built for that scenario. Enter clues, patterns, and known letters for several answers at once, and get a consolidated view of possible solutions. It's like having a helper who scans the whole puzzle with you.
Enter multiple clues at once
Instead of solving one clue at a time, you can paste or type several clues with their answer lengths. The tool will process them together and show results side by side. This is especially useful when you have a theme running through the puzzle - answers often share patterns or word origins.
Use the grid layout for visual matching
If you have a partial grid, use the grid input mode. Mark known letters, empty squares, and black squares. The tool will fill in possible words for each across and down entry, checking consistency at intersections. This saves you from manually cross-referencing each crossing.
Filter by theme or category
Many puzzles have a theme (e.g., movies, geography, wordplay). The tool lets you filter results by category if you know the theme. For example, if the puzzle is about US state capitals, the tool will prioritize capital names over other words. This filter is optional - use it only when you're sure of the theme.
Handling long answers and proper nouns
Themed puzzles often include long answers like movie titles or famous names. The tool's word list includes proper nouns, brand names, and common phrases. If a long answer doesn't appear, try breaking it into parts or searching without the clue.
When results conflict
If two entries share a crossing letter and the tool suggests different letters, check the frequency ranking. The more common answer is usually correct, but not always. You can also lock a letter in one entry and see how it affects the other.
Crossword clue example
Start with the answer length and known crossings, such as c?a??. Use the clue meaning to choose among candidates; the tool can narrow the pattern, but it cannot know the clue’s wordplay by itself.
Choose the right word tool
Use this page when a clue gives you answer length and some crossing letters. If you do not have a pattern yet, start broad with Word Finder, then return here once crossings narrow the answer.
Common Questions
How do I solve a crossword clue with missing letters?
Enter the clue and answer length, then use the pattern field to mark known letters. The tool will show only answers matching that pattern. For a full puzzle, use the grid mode to enter all known letters at once.
How do I search crossword answers by pattern?
Use the pattern input with ? for unknown letters. In grid mode, the tool automatically generates patterns from the grid layout.
What does this clue mean?
The tool shows common answers for each clue. For meaning, check the notes or a dictionary. The tool is focused on finding answers, not explaining clues.
How many letters is the answer?
Set the answer length for each clue. In grid mode, the length is determined by the grid.
Can the same clue have different answers?
Yes. The tool ranks answers by frequency. In a themed puzzle, the less common answer might be correct if it fits the theme.
Before you write it into the grid
Before you write an answer into a crossword, test it against both the crossings and the clue. Pattern matches are candidates, not proof; clue tense, plural endings, and wordplay can rule out a technically valid word.